Assessment of factors contributing to adherence to antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV: our experiences from a local missionary hospital in southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

IntroductionAcquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) has ceased to be dreadful, and is now considered a manageable chronic disease since the introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Its goal is to achieve maximal and long-lasting suppression of viral replication. A high level of adherence is essential for effective ART, and there are many factors contributing to adherence in patients on ART. The objective of our study was to determine the level of adherence and factors influencing adherence to ART among people living with HIV.Material and methodsThe study was conducted in the ART center at Bishop Shanahan Hospital from November to December 2017. Patients attending the ART center were included in the study. A cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV-positive patients using a well-structured questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify associations between factors and adherence.ResultsAlthough the predictors were non-significant (i.e. p > 0.05), age, gender, taking alcohol and herbal medicine, and having no medication reminder were found to be predictors of non-adherence in our study. Major reasons for missing pills were forgetfulness due to being busy (71.4%), giving up hope (26.2%) and lack of food (21.4%).ConclusionsAdherence to antiretroviral treatment in the ART center was sub-optimal. Patients on ART should be counseled adequately and appropriately before initiating antiretroviral treatment. Patient education must be enforced at all levels of care.