Investigation of Factors Affecting Medication Adherence Among People Living with HIV/AIDS under Non – Governmental Organizations in Senegal

Aims:This prospective cross-sectional study was carried out to determine factors such as clinical and demographic variables that may affect medication adherence among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) receiving treatment at the Institute of health and hygiene of Dakar, but are affiliated to Non-Governmental Organizations which are HIV/AIDS support group based in Dakar..All consenting subjects from these two support groups were enrolled into study but 305 PLWHA volunteered to participate throughout the three months period of the study. Methods: The study was conducted with the aid of structured interview assisted questionnaires to obtain information on demographic characteristics such as age, sex, occupation, marital status, educational backgrounds, and source of support. Information on availability and side effects of antiretroviral drugs were also obtained. Results:This study indicated that majority of people living with HIV/AIDS interviewed were females (80.3%) while (19.7%) were males. Male respondents show better adherence (91.7%) to ARV medications than female counterparts (83.7%). Subjects in age the age groups 24-35 years which is the most sexually active groups are more vulnerable (59.1%) when compared to other age groups. A large number, (67.2%) were married and there was a significant difference between marital status of PHWHA (P<0.05) and level of adherence to antiretroviral medications. Descriptive and Chi-square statistical tests were used respectively to evaluate the distribution of respondent’s opinion and investigate the level of association between the variables being consideredand respondent’sadherence to antiretroviral medications. Conclusion: We conclude that there is need to carry out further study in order to fully explore the extent to which marital status and other factors can affect medication adherence of people living with HIV/AIDS.