DETERMINANTS OF ADHERENCE TO ANTI-RETROVIRAL THERAPY AMONG ADULTS WITH HIV/AIDS IN DALHATU ARAF SPECIALIST HOSPITAL LAFIA, NASSARAWA STATE

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Department of Medicine

ABSTRACT
HIV/AIDS is a disease of public health importance with about 35 million people worldwide living with the disease and Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for about 27.7 million cases. Nigeria has 3.2 million cases and has recorded 210,000 deaths. Control of the disease has been predicated on prevention and effective ART. For ART to be successful however, adherence rate of 95% or more is required to be complemented by adult ART coverage of 80%. Nigeria however, has 40%. Thus, this study aims to identify the determinants of adherence to antiretroviral therapy among adults with HIV/AIDS in Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia, Nasarawa State. The study was conducted using a descriptive cross sectional design among 426 randomly selected HIV/AIDS patients (18 years and above) attending ART clinic in DASH, Lafia. Quantitative data collection technique was used with the administration of a semi-structured questionnaire by research assistants. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 for univariate and bivariate analyses. Mean age was 35.8 years (SD± 9.6). Of the respondents, 2.6% had less than 95% adherence rate and forgetfulness (40%) was the commonest reason for non-adherence. The study showed that 70.2% were females, 59.6% were married and 55.2% had educational level lower than secondary school education. Also, average knowledge HIV, ART, adherence and level of adherence were determined to be 40.4%, 80.1%, 55.4% and 97.4% respectively. In addition, age, gender, marital status and level of education were not significantly associated with adherence. It was recommended that the adherence level be sustained and enlightenment be intensified to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS. Key words: HIV/AIDS, Adherence, Antiretroviral therapy, Nigeria.