Predictors of adherence to option B+ approach for the prevention of mother to child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus in Abuja, 2017

INTRODUCTION: option B+ ART is a lifelong regimen of ART using a combination of 3 ARVs and adherence to this regimen can reduce risk of MTCT to 1-2% as against 15-40% without treatment. To achieve an undetectable viral load and prevent the development of drug resistance, a person on ARV drugs need to take at least 95% of prescribed doses on time. This study assessed the level of adherence to Option B+ PMTCT program and its predictors among HIV+ Pregnant women accessing antenatal care in health facilities Abuja. METHODS: we enrolled 284 HIV positive pregnant women and lactating mothers in a hospital-based cross-sectional study. We sampled respondents using two-staged sampling technique. We collected data on socio-demographic characteristics, level of adherence, patients and healthcare related factors affecting adherence, knowledge of clients on HIV, ART and MTCT. Focused group discussion guide, data abstraction form and key informant interview guide were used for PMTCT focal persons. We conducted bivariate analysis and logistic regression using Epi-Info version 7 at 5% level of significance. RESULTS: the mean age of respondents was 30.12 years (SD±4.86) with mean knowledge score of 16.7 and 75.5%% of them had good knowledge. The level of good adherence was 83.3%. Independent factors associated with non-adherence to ART included: Forgetfulness (OR 20.02; 95% CI 6.42-62.48), having side effects (OR 39.6; 95% C.I: 4.46-352.32), lack of food (OR 34.76; 95% C.I: 2.37-509.33), disclosure of HIV status (OR 2.51; 95% CI 1.22-5.15), being too busy (OR 13.96; 95% CI 3.89-49.98). Encountering challenge in ART initiation (OR 2.05; 95% CI 1.01-4.72) and level of Knowledge (OR 2.12; 95% CI 1.06-5.42). CONCLUSION: the level of adherence would improve study if the Public health department of Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) sponsors public enlightenment on HIV/AIDS through the media which may help reduce stigma and encourage voluntary HIV status disclosure. Reminders should be used by patients to help them overcome forgetfulness.