Background:
Highly active antiretroviral therapy is the cornerstone of management of patients with human
immunodeficiency virus infection. Antiretroviral therapy can prolong survival of patients however this drugs are
associated with adverse effects that can affect patient adherence and if severe may require regimen change. The
aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of antiretroviral associated adverse effects and management strategies
undertaken among patients taking antiretroviral therapy in Jimma University Specialized Hospital.
Methods:
A retrospective review of patient medical records (2009-2011) was done to assess adverse effects
associated with antiretroviral therapy. A sample of 403 patient medical records was selected using systematic
random sampling method. Data was collected using structured data abstraction format. Data were entered into
SPSS windows version 16 and chi-square test was used to analyze factors associated with adverse effects. P-value
of less than 0.05 was considered as statistical significant.
Results:
About 65.5% of patients had developed at least one adverse effect to antiretroviral drugs. The most
commonly encountered adverse effects were gastrointestinal and central nervous system effects. Severe side
effects that resulted in high rate of regimen switch and discontinuation included anemia, peripheral neuropathy, rash
and hepatotoxicity.
Conclusion:
Majority of patients taking antiretroviral therapy experienced mild to severe adverse effects in the
course of treatment which can affect the patient treatment outcome. Thus close monitoring of toxicities considering
the risk-benefit ratio of continuing, switching or discontinuation of treatment is critical.