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

Ngozi Chidinma Ukeagu,C C N Vincent,Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu,Agnes Chinyere Onyekachi-Chigbu,Ifeyinwa Stephina Agu

doi:10.9734/jpri/2021/v33i57a34007

Ngozi Chidinma Ukeagu, C C N Vincent + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.9734/jpri/2021/v33i57a34007

Copy DOI

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.

Highlights

The introduction of antiretroviral treatment (ART) has reduced morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV
Results from the table show that 143 (74.5%) of the respondents agree that antiretroviral therapy (ART) prevents HIV from multiplying; 15 (7.8%) subscribed to use of ART as medication used to treat infections; 34 (17.7%) answered that ART is a medication that reduces infection while none of the respondents subscribed to the use of ART for treatment of malaria 129 (67.2%) of the respondents answered that ART builds immunity; 22 (11.5%) are of the view that ART cures HIV while 41 (21.3%) answered that ART reduces progression of HIV
Research question 2: What is the extent of adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV/AIDS patients in FMC?

Summary

Introduction

The introduction of antiretroviral treatment (ART) has reduced morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV. The scaling up of antiretroviral treatment was a critical turning point in the clinical management of the HIV/AIDS disease and the gradual evolution of HIV infection into a chronic non-fatal condition. By restoring the immune function and suppressing the virus to an undetectable level. This resulted in preventing the transmission of the virus to other uninfected individuals. There has been an unparalleled effort to provide access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV-infected individuals through Global Fund, World Bank and US Presidents Emergency plan for AIDS relief (PEPEAR) [1]. Loose obedience or non-obedience to ART can result in inadequate rural suppression failure, rapid diseases properties and development of drug resistance

Objectives

Results

Conclusion