Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy among HIV/AIDS in Federal Medical Centre, Owerri

Abstract

The research is set out to determine the adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIVAIDS in Federal Medical Clinic Owerri. The purpose of the study was to assess patients knowledge of benefits of Highly Active antiretroviral Regimen, determine level of adherence among the HIV patients, identify factors affecting adherence to antiretroviral regimen among HIV patients, relationship between adherence antiretroviral therapy and basic demographic factors like level of education and gender . Related literature was reviewed. The research design used was a descriptive survey design. The instrument for the study was a validated and reliable questionnaire (r-0.82). A reliable and validated questionnaire was used as the major instrument for data collection. The findings indicated that 169 (88.0%) of the respondents have a high knowledge of the benefits of antiretroviral therapy while 23 (12.0%) of the sample have low knowledge. In other words, a large number of the sampled populations are well aware of the benefits of antiretroviral therapy. Conclusion was drawn that a large number of the sampled population are well aware of the benefits of antiretroviral therapy. Recommendations made were that the clinician should emphasize reducing adverse drug reaction, detecting and treating co-morbidities early, improving knowledge through health education, and encouraging the patients to disclose their HIV status to their families. Also  Intensive adherence counseling should be provided to all patients before initiation of antiretroviral  therapy. Health care providers must identify possible barriers to adherence to HIV/AIDS antiretroviral therapy and provide appropriate solution.