Medication Adherence to Non HIV Comorbidities Among People Living With HIV:

Abstract

Introduction The study investigated the factors contributing to non-HIV comorbid medication adherence among PLHIV at IDC in Mulago. A sample of 118 patients was used. Objectives The study used three specific objectives which where; to investigate the influence of the social demographic factors on non HIV comorbid medication adherence among PLHIV, to examine whether the level of knowledge of comorbidities and their effects influence non HIV comorbid medication adherence of PLHIV, and to investigate the influence of HIV management on non HIV comorbid medication adherence of PLHIV. Methodology A cross-sectional survey was used. Results Education level and monthly income of the patients were significantly associated with adherence to both diabetic and hypertensive drugs. It was also revealed that knowledge of source of drugs, knowledge of consequences of missing drugs and knowing the hypertension and diabetic drugs taken were found to significantly influence the level of adherence to hypertensive drugs. The diabetic patients who said someone picks (buys) the drugs on their behalf were statistically different from those who personally buy or pick drugs from health facility in regard to adherence to diabetic drugs. Also adherence to diabetic drugs significantly depended on whether a patient used a reminder to take his/her drugs or not. However, missing appointments was found to be negatively associated with adherence to hypertension drugs among HIV patients. Conclusion Education level, monthly income, HIV management, and knowledge of drugs with their consequences are equally important in adherence to both diabetic and hypertensive drugs of PLHIV.