Factors Influencing Adherence to Antiretroviral Medication in Ilorin, Nigeria.
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Date
2010
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Published by the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care.
Abstract
Background: Good adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is required for viral suppression and prevention
of drug resistance. Patients’ adherence to HAART has not been determined since the commencement of HAART at the
University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Ilorin, Nigeria, over 5 years ago. Objectives: To determine the adherence
level of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) to HAART and identify associated factors. Methodology: A semistructured
questionnaire was administered to PLWHA, who were accessing treatment. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, HIV medical, and
drug history were obtained from them. Adherence was self-reported. Good adherence was taking of 95% of the prescribed doses
of HAART over the preceding 30 days before consultation. Results: Study participants were 253; majority, 58.5%, were females.
About 70.8% of them had good adherence. Older age and male sex correlated better with adherence. Conclusion: People living
with HIV/AIDS were quite adherent to HAART. Male sex and older age were positive predictors of adherence. Adherence among
the young age and females needs strengthening.
Description
Keywords
HIV, PLWHA, HAART, adherence, Ilorin
Citation
Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care 9(3):191-195.