Abstract:

Background: Suboptimal antiretroviral adherence remains a global concern in the care for HIV infected patients. It brings about complications in the management process of the disease. This study determined the attitude, perception and antiretroviral adherence level of HIV infected patients in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Methodology: The study was a cross-sectional study that utilized qualitative method of data collection. Purposive sampling was used to select two tertiary hospitals while gender and age bracket was used to select 62 patients that participated in the study. Focus group discussion (FGD) guide was used to obtained information from the participants. A total of eight FGD was conducted with at least seven participants in each group. All discussions were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed.

Results: Majority (77%) of the participants were females and 80% were traders by occupation. Majority of the participants expressed concerns about the duration of antiretroviral medication while majority responded positively as regards the continuity of the drug even without any symptoms of sickness. Most of the participants perceived antiretroviral medication as beneficial and suboptimal adherence as a threat to wellbeing. Perceived barriers identified in this study include fear of disclosure, distance to health facility and hospital waiting time. Majority of the participants in this study had optimal adherence.

Conclusion: Optimal adherence in HIV care is essential. To achieve this, it is important that patients cultivate the right attitude and perception towards antiretroviral medication. Health promotion interventions that seeks to modify and reinforce patients’ attitude, perception and adherence pattern is therefore recommended.

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