Determinants of antiretroviral treatment adherence among patients attending secondary health care facilities in north-east and south-west Nigeria: a comparative study
Atinge, S.; Kanma-Okafor, O.J.; Ladi-Akinyemi, T.W.; Akase, I.E.; Onajole, A.T.
African Journal of Aids Research Ajar 21(1): 77-85
2022
ISSN/ISBN: 1727-9445 PMID: 35361066 Document Number: 566599
Four decades after its discovery, HIV continues to be a major global public health issue, even with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Strict adherence to ART remains a challenge, with attendant implications for treatment success. This study aimed at comparing ART adherence between north-east and south-west Nigeria. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in two regions in Nigeria among 400 HIV/AIDS patients on ART. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine predictors of ART adherence in the regions. The level of significance was set at 0.05. The majority of respondents from both the north-east (87.5%) and south-west (92.5%) of Nigeria had good knowledge about ART. The self-reported adherence level was 90.0% in the north-east and 87.5% in the south-west. Predictors of ART adherence in the north-east were knowledge about ART (AOR 9.949; 95% CI 2.009-49.284) and transport costs to the clinic (AOR 0.177; 95% CI 0.047-0.661). In the south-west, education (AOR 0.198; 95% CI 0.047-0.832) and knowledge of ART (AOR 8.945; 95% CI 1.749-45.751) were identified as predictors of ART adherence. In both regions, knowledge about ART was appreciable, but adherence was sub-optimal. Strategies to support adherence should be tailored to specific predictors in each region.