Compliance to antiretroviral therapy among AIDS patients in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria.
BACKGROUND
Non-compliance with antiretroviral treatment has serious consequences for prognosis and may lead to the development of resistant strains of the virus. This study assessed the level of compliance to antiretroviral treatment, identified factors associated with compliance and reasons for non-compliance among AIDS patients in a Teaching Hospital in Northern Nigeria.


METHODS
A pre-tested structured interview questionnaire was administered on a cross-section of 263 AIDS patients seen at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano. Patient's reported consumption of antiretroviral drugs was compared with the Physician's prescription in the seven-day period preceding the interview.


RESULTS
Only 142 (54.0%) of the 263 respondents took at least 80% of the antiretroviral drugs prescribed. Sixty-one (23.2%) did not miss any dose of the drugs. Univariate analysis showed that a significantly higher proportion (58.7%) of patients with formal education were compliant compared to 26.3% of those without formal education (chi2 = 13.7 df = 1 P < 0.01). The educated patient was four times more likely to be compliant [O.R = 3.97, 95% CI = 1.75-9.24]. In contrast, age and sex variables had no significant influence on compliance among these patients. Main reasons for non-adherence to medication include non-availability of drugs (40.6%), forgetfulness (23.9%) and lack of funds (15.8%).


CONCLUSIONS
The average compliance observed in this study could be improved by ensuring a steady supply of affordable antiretroviral drugs, better patient-provider communication and enhanced social support for these patients.
Iliyasu
Z
Z
Department of Community Medicine, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria.
Kabir
M
M
Abubakar
I S
IS
Babashani
M
M
Zubair
Z A
ZA
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000328:Adult; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires