Assessment of Patients' Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy at Federal Medical Centre Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria

Optimal use of Antiretroviral therapy is critical in prolonging and making individuals who carries the Human Immunodeficiency Viruses (HIV) live longer thus preventing the development of drug-defiance viral strain and a key determinant of treatment success and virological suppression. This research evaluates the adherence level to Antiretroviral therapy and connected factors influencing non-adherence with patients attending the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured four-section questionnaire validated using test-retest method within three weeks interval and reliability coefficient of 0.82 was received. The instrument was administered to 59 HIV-positive patients between May and September 2025. Data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of HIV/AIDS, and medication adherence patterns. Independent t-test, Pearson product moment correlation and descriptive statistics were utilized for the analysis at 5% level of significance. Overall, 84.8% respondents demonstrated good adherence (≥95%), while 98% had baseline CD4 counts above 200 cells/mm³. The main reasons for non-adherence included forgetfulness, depression and fasting. Socioeconomic and demographic data showed no statistically significant relationship with adherence (p > 0.05). Patients aged 28–39 years were the most adherent (28.9%), and female participants had slightly higher adherence rates than males. In conclusion, good adherence to Antiretroviral therapy was achieved, non-adherence was due to individual behavioural factors such as forgetfulness, travelling, Alcoholism, lack of patient education and interruptions to daily routines. Sociodemographic characteristics was not found to significantly influence adherence, spousal support plays vital role not only in adherence to Antiretroviral Medication but helps in strengthen self-management.