Assessment of Herbal Medicine Practices on HIV/AIDS Treatment Adherence Among Rural Women in Tanzania

HIV/AIDS is a significant public health concern in rural Tanzania, where traditional herbal medicine (THM) practices are prevalent. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted in four rural districts. Data were analysed thematically. Findings indicate that 65% of participants reported adhering to both Western medicine and THM concurrently, with a notable theme regarding cost-effectiveness. THM plays an important role in HIV/AIDS treatment adherence among rural women, particularly for its affordability compared to conventional medication. Further research should explore the integration of THM into formal healthcare systems to enhance accessibility and effectiveness. HIV/AIDS, herbal medicine, adherence, Tanzania, qualitative study Treatment effect was estimated with $\text{logit}(p_i)=\beta_0+\beta^\top X_i$, and uncertainty reported using confidence-interval based inference.