A comparative study of the predictors of treatment adherence among patients on antiretroviral therapy at rural and urban centers in Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

Objectives: Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is an important factor required to suppress viral activities and its load in the human body. There are identified factors that determine adherence to ART and these factors have been noticed based on environments. This study compared predictors of ART adherence between the urban and rural centers within the same State in Nigeria. Material and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional analytic study involving 322 participants. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done with the data collected. Results: There were more adherent participants in the urban than the rural center in a ratio of 2.2:1. There was also significant difference in the predictors of adherence to ART in these two centers. The factors that were not present in both centers were: Stigma experience, family support, and sex. Conclusion: Predictors of treatment adherence vary between the urban and rural treatment centers even within the same senatorial district of a state. Therefore, it is advisable to always determine factors that predicts adherence to ART which would serve as a guide to proper treatment of the patient.