%0 Journal Article
%T Predictors of Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy among HIV/AIDS Patients in the Upper West Region of Ghana
%A Christian Obirikorang
%A Peter Kuugemah Selleh
%A Jubilant Kwame Abledu
%A Chris Opoku Fofie
%J ISRN AIDS
%D 2013
%R 10.1155/2013/873939
%X Background. The effectiveness of ART interventions is only realized in maximal levels of adherence. A near perfect adherence level of >95% is required for the effective suppression of HIV/AIDS virus. The main objective of this study was to identify the sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors that facilitate adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV/AIDS patients. Methods. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between March and May 2013 at the Upper West Regional Hospital, Wa. A total of 201 confirmed HIV 1 seropositive subjects (mean age years) receiving antiretroviral therapy were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed using GraphPad Prism version 5. A value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant for all statistical analyses. Results. Overall lifetime adherence was found to be 62.2% while medication adherence in the last six months, last three months, last month, and last week were 73.6%, 87.1%, 91.0%, and 86.0%, respectively. The study revealed a positive association between adherence to ART and immunological success, with nonadherence increasing the risk (OR (95% CI): 9.2 (3.2¨C26.9)) of immunological failure. Univariate logistic regression analysis of the data showed that other ailments and side effects of drug were negatively associated with adherence to ART whereas self-perceived wellness, family support, and regular followup were positively associated with adherence to ART. Conclusion. Regular attendance at followup and family support are vital factors for 100% lifetime medication adherence. Effective counseling sessions on adherence for patients on antiretroviral therapy are paramount for the realization of the purpose of antiretroviral therapy programmes in Ghana. 1. Introduction The effect of HIV infection at the individual level is the continued breakdown of the immune system of the host which ultimately results in the onset of AIDS. All infected persons are at risk of illness and death from opportunistic infections and neoplastic complications [1]. Infection to noninfected individuals with HIV occurs mainly through the exposure to biological fluids, especially semen and blood, of the infected individuals. Globally, the principal route of transmission is unprotected heterosexual intercourse (>75%). This accounts for the increasing number of women being affected worldwide. Homosexual intercourse is the second commonest route of transmission [2]. Sub-Saharan Africa bears the greatest burden with more than two-thirds (68%) of all persons infected with HIV. An estimated 1.8
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn.aids/2013/873939/