Socio-demographics, Social Support and Adherence: A Cross-sectional Descriptive Perspective of users of Antiretroviral Therapy in a Nigerian Secondary Health Facility

Abstract

Studies in varied resource settings report consistent trends in benefits among Clients adherent to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). Social support in this instance may potentiate treatment outcomes. This study aims to determine the socio- demographics, social support and adherence to ART among clients accessing care at a General Hospital in Nigeria. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study of a sample of 340 clients determined using Cochran formula and selected via systematic sampling. Data collection is by interview via semi-structured questionnaire. Analysis is by statistical package for social sciences version 22.0. Tests of associations are with chi-square test with alpha set at < 0.05. The study reveals bimodal age groups. Males are 122 (35.9%),43 (12.7%) are long distant commercial vehicle drivers, 25 (7.4%) are hospitality workers, while113 (32.2%) reports receipt of social support and298 (87.7%) adherence to HAART. An association exists between social support and adherence (p=0.000).In summary, the survey finds socio-demographic variations, with association between social support and adherence. There is need for behavioral change interventions that target variations in socio- demographics in enhancing adherence via good social support.