Adolescents and Young Adults knowledge, adherence and experiences while on antiretroviral therapy in a tertiary hospital in Lagos, Nigeria: a Mixed-Method Study
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2021
Authors
Aderemi-Williams, R.I.
Razaq, A.R.
Abah, I.O.
Opanuga, O.O.
Akanmu, A.S.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
SAGE
Abstract
In Nigeria, there is a paucity of data on knowledge and experiences of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with HIV and ART, as well as their challenges maintaining optimal adherence. A mixed-method study was carried out between August and September 2018 among AYAs attending Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Data collection was via AYAs’ hospital records, standardized questionnaires, and in-depth interviews (IDIs). The 4-day ACTG tool was used to measure adherence. Collected data were analyzed descriptively. Assessment of 34 AYAs comprising 18 (52.9%) males with 28 (82.4%) students revealed an overall knowledge score about ART and its effect of 73.6%. Twenty-five (73.5%) had poor knowledge of the development of resistant strains of HIV due to non-adherence recorded. Optimal adherence (≥95%) was recorded in 20 (58.8%) AYAs. IDI produced 4 themes: (i) reasons for non-adherence, (ii) ensuring optimal adherence, (iii) Social support systems and disclosure, and (iv) stigmatization. Our study provided formative data and revealed areas for intervention to improve knowledge and adherence to ART.
Description
Scholarly articles
Keywords
adolescents and young adults , knowledge , experiences , ART , adherence , Research Subject Categories::PHARMACY::Biopharmacy
Citation
Aderemi-Williams RI, Razaq AR, Abah IO, Opanuga OO, Akanmu AS (2021). Adolescents and Young Adults knowledge, adherence and experiences while on antiretroviral therapy in a tertiary hospital in Lagos, Nigeria: a Mixed-Method Study. Journal of International Providers in AIDS Care. 20: 1-9