Adverse Drug Effects and Non-Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy in Nigeria: A Review

Abstract

Objectives: This review aims to assess the link between adverse drug effects and non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Nigeria. Methodology: Databases were searched namely PubMed, Web of science core collection, Science direct, Global Health (CABI) and MEDLINE. Fifteen (15) primary articles (studies carried out in Nigeria) met the inclusion criteria and were selected for the review. The primary articles selected for the review were analyzed and critiqued. Results: The articles selected for review showed that adverse drug effects is a barrier to adherence to ART. Conclusion: The review conclude that adverse drug effect is a barrier to adherence to ART among PLWHA in Nigeria and recommends patient education on side effects of ART, the need for regular exercises, eating healthy meals and the need for physicians to simplify the regimen with regards to the amount of medication to take and the timing.