| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2013 | Volume
: 1
| Issue : 2 | Page : 58-63 |
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Adherence to antiretroviral therapy among people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in a tertiary health facility in South Eastern Nigeria
Ugochukwu U Onyeonoro1, Uzo E Ebenebe2, Christian C Ibeh2, Uche N Nwamoh1, Andrew U Ukegbu1, Obiageli F Emelumadu2
1 Department of Community Medicine, Federal Medical Center, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria
2 Department of Community Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Newi Campus, Nigeria
Correspondence Address:
Ugochukwu U Onyeonoro
Department of Community Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Abia State
Nigeria
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/2321-9157 .126631
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Introduction: This study was carried out among people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in a tertiary health facility in Nigeria and it is aimed at determining practice of adherence among these patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 282 HIV positive patients receiving ART in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi were selected by systematic random sampling technique and using a semi-structured, interviewer administered questionnaire, responses were elicited from them on knowledge and perception of ART and adherence. Practice of adherence was determined by self-report. Findings were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 17 (IBM Corp, Chicago Illinois, USA). Results: Most of the respondents were females (66.3%) and their mean age of the respondents was 36.63 8.56 years. Most of the respondents have good knowledge of ART and adherence, even though most of them (64.2%) thought that ART cures HIV/AIDS. Most patients still considered HIV/AIDS as a serious illness (78.0%). Only about half of them (50.7%) were of the opinion that ART reduces the risk of HIV transmission. However, the general perception of adherence was good. The mean level of adherence was 97.8%, however, about 86% of them attained optimal adherence level. Conclusion: The study revealed fairly good knowledge and perception of ART and adherence among the patients. The level of ART adherence was also high; however there is a need to address some gaps in knowledge identified as part of measures aimed at improving adherence in the long run. |
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