Psychosocial support and treatment adherence counseling among persons living with HIV/AIDS in Manya Krobo: do housing and housing conditions matter?

Mabel Teye-kau, Memorial University
Adobea Owusu, University of Ghana
Eric Tenkorang, Memorial University
Amos Laar, University of Ghana

As part of providing comprehensive HIV/AIDS services, the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) and Ministry of Health (MOH) in Ghana recommend that HIV/AIDS patients receive psychosocial support and follow-up visits that ensures medical and drug adherence assistance. However, the successful implementation of these support services requires that patients have stable and quality housing. Yet, studies that examine associations between housing, psychosocial support, and adherence/treatment counseling among HIV/AIDS patients in Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa are limited. We use data collected from 605 HIV positive persons attending check-p and receiving anti-retroviral therapy from both Atua Government Hospital and St. Martin’s de Porres Hospital, located in the Manya Krobo district, to examine these important links. Results show that respondents with stable homes, and quality housing structure and environment were significantly more likely to receive these support services compared to those without stable and quality housing. Policy makers need to consider housing as an important element of HIV prevention and care.