Determinants of Adherence among Patients on Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy in Lagos State, Nigeria

Poor medication adherence in HIV treatment is a public health problem as it leads to increased morbidity and mortality, as well as the development of drug resistance. There is limited information on the determinants of adherence among people living with HIV/AIDS especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed at assessing the determinants of adherence to HAART among people living with HIV/AIDS in Lagos State, Nigeria.

A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 302 respondents selected from three public health facilities across the state. The study instrument was an interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from the Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS). Data analysis was performed using Epi Info software. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the determinants of adherence. Level of significance for all the tests was set at p-value <0.05.

Seventy percent of respondents reported being adherent to medication. There were statistically significant associations between respondents' age, having children, good knowledge of HIV and medication adherence. In addition, it was observed that the type of anti-retroviral (ARV) drug schedule, never missing an appointment, belonging to a support group and disclosure of status were associated with HAART adherence. Controlling for other variables, those that had disclosed their status were twice as likely to adhere to HIV medication (aOR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.1-4.8). Also, those who had never missed a clinic appointment were three times more likely to adhere to prescribed medication (aOR: 3.4; 95% CI: 1.7-6.5).

Disclosure of HIV status and clinic attendance were key determinants of adherence among patients on HAART in Lagos, Nigeria.