Effects of adherence to antiretroviral therapy on body mass index, immunological and virological status of Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS. Issue 1 (1st March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Olowookere, S.A.; Fatiregun, A.A.; Ladipo, M.M.A.; Abioye-Kuteyi, E.A.; Adewole, I.F.
• Is Part Of: Alexandria journal of medicine. Volume 52:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 51
• Page End: 54
• Publication Date: 2016-03-01
• Subjects: HAART adherence -- CD4 count -- Viral load -- PLWHA -- Nigeria; Medicine -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ajme.2015.03.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-5068

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: This study determined the effect of adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on body mass index (BMI) and immunological and virological parameters of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) attending University College Hospital, Ibadan. Methodology: Prospective cohort of consenting PLWHA was followed up for a minimum of 3 months, had their drug adherence determined using pharmacy records and self-reporting. The sociodemographic data, weight, height, plasma viral load and CD4 count were recorded at baseline and 3 months. These data were entered into the computer and analyzed. Results: A total of 318 PLWHA with a median age of 38 ± 9.6 years participated. Fifty-four percent were female. Sixty-three percent were 95% adherent to HAART. Most (99.4%) were on non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based therapy. There was a remarkable fall in viral load to non-detectable levels among adherent compared with non-adherent PLWHA. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in CD4 count among adherent compared with non-adherent PLWHA. Adherent clients showed marked improvement in BMI and immunological and virological status. Conclusion: Adherence to HAART reduced viral load to an undetectable level and increased CD4 count among adherent PLWHA on HAART.