Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (Dec 2021)

Adolescents and Young Adults Knowledge, Adherence and Experiences While on Antiretroviral Therapy in a Tertiary Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria: A Mixed-Method Study

  • Roseline Iberi Aderemi-Williams BPharm, MPharm, FPCPharm, PhD,
  • Ayomikun Rofiat Razaq BPharm,
  • Isaac Okoh Abah BPharm, MSc, MPH,
  • Olabisi Oluranti Opanuga BPharm, FPCPharm, PGD, MSc (Public Health), PharmD,
  • Alani Sulaimon Akanmu MBBS, MWCP (Lab Medicine), FMCPath, MD

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/23259582211062754
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 20

Abstract

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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.