title: Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy and Its Determinants Among HIV-Infected Patients in Nigeria.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The study investigated the level of adherence and factors affecting adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART).
  
  
  METHODS
  The study sample consisted of 300 HIV-infected patients who received ART in the Antiretroviral Clinic of Central Hospital, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria. Self-reported adherence to ART in the previous 1 month prior to the study as well as determinants of adherence were assessed using a questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The most frequently used ART regimen was zidovudine + lamivudine + nevirapine. On the whole, a total of 33 (11%) respondents missed 3 doses or less in the previous month prior to the survey. There was a statistically significant association between adherence to ART and marital status, source of income, and occupation ( P < .05). The most commonly reported reasons for missed doses were forgetfulness (60.4%), busy daily task (18.3%), and avoiding being seen while taking medications (11%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The prevalence of adherence among the participants was high. However, more serious efforts are needed to reduce the number of in-adherent patients. Interventions to improve adherence to ART should address challenges such as forgetfulness among the patients and frequent occurrence of adverse effects and consider specific patient-related factors such as daily tasks.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Valentine Uche
authors.initials: VU
authors.lastname: Odili
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Anthonia Obumneke
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: Obieche
authors.affiliation: 2 Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Kingsley Chiedu
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Amibor
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents
keywords: HIV; adherence; antiretroviral; patients; treatment