EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY FOR KEY POPULATIONS INFECTED WITH HIV/AIDS IN UKRAINE AND WORLDWIDE

Abstract

Abstract. Background. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the cornerstone in the fight against HIV/AIDS, enabling an increase in life expectancy among patients. Evaluating its effectiveness across different population groups is critically important for monitoring the dynamics of disease progression and improving treatment strategies. Materials and Methods. The study materials included official data from the Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, WHO statistics on the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, and an analysis of scientific articles indexed in PubMed that address the topic and describe the situation in different regions of the world. The methods applied in the study included sociological surveys, literature reviews, comparative analysis, statistical analysis, and information synthesis. Results. A survey of 543 respondents from various age groups and regions of Ukraine showed that only 32% had a clear understanding of what ART is and its capabilities, while 43% had heard about ART but did not understand its meaning. Additionally, 25% of respondents had never heard of ART. Access to ART was significantly higher in urban areas, reaching 85%. The effectiveness of ART was evident in most cases: 85% of respondents reported a substantial reduction in viral load within the first six months, 70% noted improvements in overall well-being, and 15% experienced side effects. Globally, ART awareness varies across regions. For instance, in the United States, awareness levels range between 75% and 80% in central regions. In India, awareness levels reach 65% to 70%, while in Southern Africa, they stand at 70%, compared to just 35% to 40% in Central Africa. Accessibility rates closely align with awareness levels across these regions. However, in countries such as India and parts of Africa, stigma remains a significant obstacle to accessing ART. Conclusions. ART can be considered the most effective method for combating HIV/AIDS, provided that treatment is timely and all guidelines are followed. However, despite this, the level of awareness remains low, especially in suburban areas and among younger populations. Access to ART is directly proportional to the economic and social development of a region, with barriers such as stigma hindering free access to treatment.