The relationship between patient-related factors and medication adherence among Nigerian patients taking highly active anti-retroviral therapy.

Sabina O Nduaguba, Rebecca O Soremekun, Olubusola A Olugbake, Jamie C Barner
1. Health Outcomes and Pharmacy Practice Division, The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy,
Austin, Texas, United States
2. Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract
Background: Through several initiatives, there are increasingly more people who have access to anti-retroviral therapy. Adherence to therapy is, however,necessary for successful management of disease.

Objectives:The objectives of this study were to describe adherence rates and determine what patient-related factors are related to adherence to anti-retroviral therapy among adult patients in an HIV clinic located in Lagos, Nigeria.

Methods: Adherence was measured using the two-week self-recall method. Barriers, satisfaction with therapy, and socio-demographic and clinical variables served as independent variables. Data were collected via self-administered surveys.

Results: . Most of the patients (79.5%) reported 100% adherence. The significant (p<0.05) barriers to adherence were forgetfulness, running out of medication, alcohol use, and medication side effects. For every unit increase in the number of barriers,  patients were 60.8% less likely to be 100% adherent (p <0.05, odds ratio, OR = 0.392,95% CI = 0.295-0.523).

Conclusion:Interventions should target helping patients cope with forgetfulness, specifically employing strategies to overcome  busyness in schedules, being away from home, and tiredness.

Keywords: Medication adherence, patients, anti-retroviral therapy.