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ABSTRACT
The success of expanded ART initiatives depends on the treated individual’s continual adherence to antiretroviral (ARV) drugs and a high level of adherence of (95%) is required for antiretroviral therapy to be effective. This study was carried out to assess the adherence to antiretroviral drugs among HIV patients visiting HIV counselling centres in selected hospitals, Benin City, Edo state. Using a cross sectional survey design, 274 HIV positive patients receiving antiretroviral therapy for at least 6months duration were offered a wellstructured questionnaire using convenient sampling method. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics such as mean and inferential statistics such as Chi square, multivariate logistic regression and anova to test hypothesis at 5% level of significance. Result showed that generally, 97(35.9%) had poor knowledge on the importance of antiretroviral drugs, 75(27.6%) had moderate knowledge while only 98(36.4%) had good knowledge. Majority 210(77.8%) have good adherence level while factors such as faith(2.49±0.96), counselling(2.24±0.90) and adherence to clinic schedule(2.39±0.83) were found to affect adherence positively. There was no significant relationship (p>0.05) between adherence of socio-demographic characteristics found, however significant difference (p<0.05) was found in the level of knowledge among HIV patients. Multivariate logistic regression showed that respondents that are 18 – 20 years are ten times (O.R = 10.39; C.I = 1.01-107.10) more likely not to adhere than those above 50years. Also respondents with tertiary education are 19% (O.R. 0.81; C.I. = 0.15 – 4.20) less likely not to adhere than those with no education and Christians are 50% (O.R. = 0.50; C.I. = 0.12-2.05) less likely not to adhere than those with traditions/other religion. Conclusion: Based on the study findings the adherence rate was less than the optimal hence measures such as subsidization of antiretroviral drugs should be implemented to increase the number of persons able to buy the drug and increase in sensitization and awareness programs should be held to increase the level of awareness of the importance of taking antiretroviral drugs in the treatment of AIDS.
Keywords: adherence, antiretroviral drugs, HIV patients, counselling centres.
