title: Self-reported adherence to HAART in South-Eastern Nigeria is related to patients' use of pill box.
abstract: The aim of this study was to assess levels of adherence and predictors of adherence to HAART in South-Eastern Nigeria. Selfreported adherence to HAART was assessed at 4-week intervals for a period of 3 months. A 10-item questionnaire was used to assess hypothesised factors in adherence to HAART. The average adherence score for the 3 months of follow-up was correlated with 10-item hypothesised factors and patient demographic variables. Linear regression was used to model the relationship between self-reported adherence and factors found to be correlated with adherence. The average adherence level of subjects that took part in the study was 86.1% ± 30.1%. Use of an adherence aid (pill box) was correlated with adherence (r=0.22, p<0.001, β=8.3%). The study revealed a slightly higher adherence level compared with most reports in Africa. Use of a pill box could help adherence to HAART, particularly in South-Eastern Nigeria.
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor and head of the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria Nsukka.
authors.forename: Chinwe Victoria
authors.initials: CV
authors.lastname: Ukwe
authors.forename: Obinna Ikechukwu
authors.initials: OI
authors.lastname: Ekwunife
authors.forename: Obinna Patrick
authors.initials: OP
authors.lastname: Udeogaranya
authors.forename: Ukamaka Ijeoma
authors.initials: UI
authors.lastname: Iwuamadi
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000379:methods; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006678:HIV / Q000302:isolation & purification; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D019259:Lamivudine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence; D008875:Middle Aged; D019829:Nevirapine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017010:Reminder Systems; D012307:Risk Factors; D057566:Self Report; D018119:Stavudine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D019259:Lamivudine; D019829:Nevirapine; D018119:Stavudine