Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy among Children and Adolescents with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Adherence to antiretroviral therapy is a key strategy that is deployed to reduce resistance and prevent HIV infection among the population.

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted to examine the level of adherence to therapeutic regimens among children and adolescents living with HIV/AIDS in selected secondary and tertiary health facilities. A proportionate sampling technique was used to select 400 participants: 185 from ADH and 215 from UATH in Abuja, Nigeria. A Medication Adherence Questionnaire (MAQ) was used to collect data.

Results: The results show the mean age of the respondents as 12.0±3.9 in ADH, and 12.2±4.4 in UATH. The level of adherence was significantly higher (p<0.05) at the secondary facility (90.3%) compared to 80% at the tertiary centre. Participants whose caretakers had tertiary education (AOR=2.22; 95% CI=1.07 - 4.59) and those who were involved in administering medication themselves (AOR=2.59; 95% CI=1.36 - 4.93) were 2 and 3 times more likely to adhere to ART.

Conclusion/Recommendations: This study concluded that the level of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) was generally good among children and adolescents across both secondary and tertiary; however, it was higher among those receiving treatment at the secondary health facility. This study therefore recommends that children and adolescents living with HIV/AIDs need to be given greater presence/involvement in decisions regarding their treatment and administration of drugs to promote adherence.