Perceived Family Support And Patterns Of Medication Adherence Among Adult Patients Attending Antiretroviral Clinic Of A Tertiary Hospital Of Gusau, Northwest Nigeria
Keywords:
ARV Medication Adherence, HIV Viral Load, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Perceived Family SupportAbstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) remain major global health concerns, with about 37.7 million people living with HIV and 28.2 million accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART). Increased ART use has significantly improved treatment outcomes, delayed disease progression, and enhanced survival. However, optimal adherence is essential for viral suppression, and this is influenced by patient-related, socioeconomic, therapy-related, disease-related, and healthcare provider factors. Family support, an important socioeconomic factor, plays a key role in improving adherence among patients with chronic conditions like HIV. This study determined the relationship between perceived family support and medication adherence among adult patients attending the ARV clinic of the Federal Medical Centre, Gusau. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 239 patients aged 18 years and above, selected using systematic random sampling over 18 weeks. Data were collected using a self- administered questionnaire covering socio demographic characteristics, the 20-item Perceived Family Support Scale, the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, clinical variables, and viral load, with <1,000 copies defined as good suppression. The mean age of participants was 36.64 ± 10.52 years, with females constituting 64.4%. Most respondents (79.9%) had good medication adherence, while 86.6% reported good family support. A strong positive monotonic relationship was found between perceived family support and adherence (Spearman's rho = 0.737, p = 0.01). Lower adherence was associated with low education, being married, poverty, longer duration on ART, and poor family support. The findings indicate that family support significantly improves adherence; therefore, integrating family support assessment into routine care, strengthening family involvement, promoting positive healthcare provider attitudes, improving access to treatment, reducing out-of-pocket costs, and fostering community support to reduce stigma are recommended to enhance adherence and viral suppression.
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