PHARMACIST-STRENGTHEN ADHERENCE TO ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY AND THE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS AMONG HIV-INFECTED PAEDIATRIC PATIENTS IN NIGERIA
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Date
2017
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Publisher
Association of Physicians of Bangladesh, Bangladesh
Abstract
Introduction: Children adherence to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) not only creates
a problem for the treated children, but also for their caregivers and healthcare providers. The
objective of this study was to determine adherence level and evaluate factors associated with better
drug adherence among HIV-infected children in Nigeria. Methods: Adherence to HAART was
determined prospectively among HIV-infected children attending HAART Clinic in the University of
Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria. Adherence level was measured using self-reported method
and patients medical folders. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated
with better drug adherence among the children. Results: In the eighty children studied, mean age
at baseline was 2.16±0.74 years and 60% were males. Baseline adherence level was 74.0% which
improved to 98.0% over the course of 8-months follow-up intervention by the pharmacist (p<0.043).
Forgetfulness of caregivers to administer antiretroviral medication at the right time to the children
was the highest reason for non- adherence. Factors associated with better drug adherence were
duration on HAART (OR 1.201; 0.253-1.144, p< 0.003), age (OR 0.540; 0.162-1.006, p < 0.001),
type of regimen (OR 0.222; 0.134-1.356, p< 0.046) and heavier weights (OR 1.559; 0.403-1.826, p
< 0.023). Conclusions: Following pharmacist’s intervention coupled with other factors, adherence
to HAART was strengthened with significant improvement in the children medication-taking
behaviour.
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Keywords
Children, caregivers, paediatric, adherence, pharmacist, UITH