Abstract
Background Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains a challenge for many people with HIV and was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper examines factors associated with ART adherence among people with HIV who inject drugs (PWHWID) in Almaty, Kazakhstan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from October 2020 to August 2022 with 66 PWHWID and their treatment support partners ( n = 66) to assess associations between ART adherence and sociodemographic, COVID-19 related, social support, and other factors. Multilevel generalized linear mixed models were used to examine factors associated with optimal (≥90%) and standard (≥80%) adherence levels. Results We found low medication adherence rates: only 55.8% took ≥80% of their doses, and just 14.7% took ≥90%. People were more likely to take their medication consistently if they had a partner with HIV, experienced less household conflict during COVID-19, or met with addiction professionals. Poor mental health and negative emotional impacts from COVID-19 were associated with low adherence. Conclusion These findings suggest that HIV treatment programs should consider the importance of patients’ relationship factors, mental health, and home environment impacts during public health crises.