Journal of Antivirals & Antiretrovirals
Open Access
ISSN: 1948-5964
+44 1300 500008
ISSN: 1948-5964
+44 1300 500008
Shittu RO, Issa BA, Olanrewaju GT, Odeigah LO, Sule AG, Musa A Sanni and Aderibigbe SA
Objectives: Non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy has serious consequences for prognosis and may lead to the development of resistant strains of the virus. This study determined the prevalence and effect of depressive disorders on Anti- Retroviral Therapy (ART) as well as factors responsible for non adherence in North Central Nigeria.
Methods: This was a hospital based, cross sectional, descriptive study of three hundred adult HIV/AIDS patients attending the HIV clinic of Kwara State specialist hospital, Sobi, Ilorin from 1st April to 30th June, 2013. Respondents were evaluated for various socio-demographic and clinical related variables. The PHQ-9 was administered to screen for depression. Those who scored one and more were assessed clinically for depression. The CAGE questionnaire was used to assess alcohol misuse. A modified version of the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness scale (ISMI) was used as a measure of self-stigma. Adherence was assessed using self-reporting method. Structured questionnaire was used to evaluate factors responsible for treatment adherence.
Results: One hundred and seventy (56.7%) satisfied the criteria for a depressive disorder using the PHQ-9 score. The adherence rate to antiretroviral therapy was 81%. This represented those who ingested 95% or more of their drugs in the one week preceding the interview. Adherence was higher among non-alcoholics than current or ex-alcoholics. Forgetfulness, 37.1% and stigmatization, 18.2% were the major reasons proffered for non compliance with ART. Stigma had profound effect on the adherence.
Conclusion: Depressive disorder in PLWHA is associated with poor adherence to antiretroviral medication. Early identification and treatment of depression in such patients may improve antiretroviral medication adherence and treatment outcomes.