Adherence to Antiretroviral Drugs in North-Central Zone of Nigeria

M D Mohammed; R Sarki

M D Mohammed Department of Medicine, State House Clinic, P.M. B. 314, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria
R Sarki Pharmacy Department, State House Clinic, P.MB. 314, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria

Keywords: Adherence, antiretroviral drugs, compliance

Abstract

A cross-sectional study of 110 patients attending State House Clinic, Abuja were
assessed for compliance in time and dose of anti-retroviral drugs for one month.
One hundred and five of the patients complied to taking the drugs (taking
compliance >95 %) and compliance to the dosage was also good (98.1 %). However,
the mean timing compliance was not good (73.1 Oh). Forgetfulness (7.0 %) and
travelling out of town (4.3 %) were the commonest reasons for missing a dose.
Forgetfulness (20 %), non-availability of food (25.5 %) and stigmatization of
carrying drugs around (3.6 %) were the commonest reasons for altering the dosing
time. It was concluded that the timing compliance was low and that may affect the
success of the program. Patients should be encouraged to take the right dose at the
right time.