ABSTRACT Background: Introduction and adopted use of ART has shown reduction in HIV related mortality and morbidity in people with HIV/AIDS. However high levels of ART adherence (>95%) is required to achieve effective suppression of viral load among patients. Objective: The study was aimed at determining the level of ART adherence and the associated factors among HIV/AIDS patients attending Kilembe mines hospital in Kasese District. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive stndy design was used to obtain qualitative data using a structured questionnaire administered to participants. Systematic random sampling was used to obtain 109 study participants attending Kilembe Mines Hospital. The data analyzed was presented using frequency tables. Results: The results indicated that the adherence to ART by patients at the Kilembe Hospital ART Clinic was 70%. This level of adherence was associated with several factors including stigmatization, distance to health facility, gender discrimination and side effects arising from ART. Conclusion: The observed level of ART adherence was70% associated with patient, treatment and health system factors. Continuous community health education and campaigns against stigma and gender discrimination will improve ART adherence among HIV patients.
