Mood and anxiety disorders adversely influence medication adherence to antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Psychological disorders in HIV/AIDS are well documented. However, studies enumerating its impact on medication adherence are scanty in developing countries. This study sought to determine the collective impact of mood and anxiety disorders on medication adherence among persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), receiving care at a secondary health care facility in Benin-City, Nigeria. Material and methods:A cross-sectional descriptive study of 410 PLWHA was conducted between April and August 2015. A semi-structured socio-demographic and clinical history study questionnaire, the 8-item Morisky medication adherence scale (MMAS-8) to determine medication adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), and the mini international neuropsychiatric interview (MINI) to diagnose mood and anxiety disorders were administered to participants.Results: One hundred and fifty-one participants (36.8%) were poorly adherent to their medications, with nearly 1 in 3 (31.5%) diagnosed with a mood or anxiety disorder. On bivariate analysis, poor medication adherence was significantly associated with low (< 200 cell/mm 3 ) CD4 cell count (crude OR = 3.23; 95% CI: 1.81-5.80; p < 0.001) and having a mood or anxiety disorder (crude OR = 17.89; 95% CI: 10.28-31.38; p < 0.001). The presence of a mood/anxiety disorder predicted poor adherence (AOR = 16.45; 95% CI: 9.69-27.92; p < 0.001) on multivariate analysis.Conclussions: Mood and anxiety disorders in PLWHA are common and are associated with poorer medication adherence. Further research is required to assess if screening and management of mood and anxiety disorders would improve medication adherence.

The impact of social capital and mental health on medication adherence among older people living with HIV (PLWH)

“…In addition, probable anxiety showed an effect on adherence. This result was consistent with other studies which reported poor adherence was associated with anxiety disorder [ 47 , 48 ]. With less knowledge of the disease, newly diagnosed older people are more likely to fall into extreme panic for fear of infecting family members, fear of not being able to treat the disease, and fear of losing their reputation among relatives or neighbors [ 49 ].…”

The worldwide prevalence of anxiety in acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Another variable, usually associated with a significant correlation with anxiety and depression among individuals, is the marital status ( 24 ). Seb-Akahome et al have remarked that single females, especially divorced women, have a higher risk of anxiety, whereas another study in Nigeria has reported that there is no significant relationship between marital status and anxiety in these patients ( 25 ).…”