Effects of adherence to antiretroviral therapy on body mass index, immunological and virological status of Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS

ObjectiveThis study determined the effect of adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on body mass index (BMI) and immunological and virological parameters of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) attending University College Hospital, Ibadan.MethodologyProspective cohort of consenting PLWHA was followed up for a minimum of 3 months, had their drug adherence determined using pharmacy records and self-reporting. The sociodemographic data, weight, height, plasma viral load and CD4 count were recorded at baseline and 3 months. These data were entered into the computer and analyzed.ResultsA total of 318 PLWHA with a median age of 38 ± 9.6 years participated. Fifty-four percent were female. Sixty-three percent were 95% adherent to HAART. Most (99.4%) were on non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based therapy. There was a remarkable fall in viral load to non-detectable levels among adherent compared with non-adherent PLWHA. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in CD4 count among adherent compared with non-adherent PLWHA. Adherent clients showed marked improvement in BMI and immunological and virological status.ConclusionAdherence to HAART reduced viral load to an undetectable level and increased CD4 count among adherent PLWHA on HAART.