Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) among HIV-Positive Pregnant Women in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (Nauth), Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria

Author

Okoli, Chigozie Eunice


Abstract

 Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) during pregnancy is central to maternal health and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. This study investigated adherence to ART among HIV-positive pregnant women receiving care at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used. From a target population of 688 HIV-positive pregnant women receiving ART, 250 respondents were selected by random sampling. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, including means and percentages. The findings showed a high overall level of ART adherence (grand mean = 3.51 on a four-point scale). Socioeconomic factors were also rated highly (grand mean = 3.70), with financial circumstances, support systems, accessibility of care, and cultural or religious influences identified as important considerations. The perceived impact of ART on maternal and infant health had a grand mean of 2.80, while health-system factors had a grand mean of 3.87. Psychological factors also exceeded the criterion mean (grand mean = 2.98). Reported barriers included ART side effects, transport and access difficulties, stigma, and medicine stockouts. The study concludes that ART adherence among pregnant women at NAUTH is shaped by interacting socioeconomic, health-system, psychological, and social-support factors. Continuous adherence education, culturally sensitive counselling, peer support, flexible appointments, reliable drug supply, and measures that reduce financial and stigma-related barriers are recommended.



Keywords

antiretroviral therapy; ART adherence; HIV; pregnant women; PMTCT; NAUTH; Nigeria



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References


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