Roles of Family Dynamics on Adherence to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy Among People Living with HIV/AIDS at a Tertiary Hospital in Osogbo, South-west Nigeria

Type Journal Article - African Health Sciences
Title Roles of Family Dynamics on Adherence to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy Among People Living with HIV/AIDS at a Tertiary Hospital in Osogbo, South-west Nigeria
Author(s)
Volume 13
Issue 4
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2014
Page numbers 920-926
URL http://www.ajol.info/index.php/ahs/article/download/100254/89512
Abstract
Background: Adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been proven to be the only effective treatment for HIV/AIDS worldwide. Good adherence to HAART might require good family support. Objective: To determine the family dynamics and social support of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and its roles on HAART adherence at an ARV treatment clinic in Osogbo, Nigeria Method: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Consenting PLWHA on HAART were interviewed using pre-tested semistructured questionnaire incorporating Perceived Social Support- Family Scale and Family APGAR. HAART adherence was measured using patient self report. Results: A total of 379 PLWHA were interviewed. Their mean age was 40.8 (SD=9.9) years. Most (60.7%) were females. More than half (55.7%) were currently married and the majority (72.1%) had secondary education and were Yoruba (86.3%). Most respondents (95.5%) were adherent to HAART. Over 90% were satisfied with support received from their family while 82.3% were treated like other family members. Most attributed their HAART adherence to the care and support received from their family. Conclusion: Most PLWHA had good social support and were adherent to HAART.

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