JOURNAL OF LIAONING TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
(NATURAL SCIENCE EDITION)
LIAONING GONGCHENG JISHU DAXUE XUEBAO (ZIRAN KEXUE BAN)
辽宁工程技术大学学报（自然科学版）
KNOWLEDGE, RELIGIOSITY, SPIRITUALITY AND ANTI-RETROVIRAL TREATMENT ADHERENCE AMONG HIV PATIENTS IN A TEACHING HOSPITAL IN EKITI STATE, NIGERIA
Oluwatoyin O. Omowole, Oluwaseyi A. Akpor, Olubukola E. Abiodun-Ojo*, Oghenerobor B. Akpor
Abstract
Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a chronic condition that warrants stern medication adherence, possibly influenced by spirituality or religion. HIV/AIDS is still a public health concern especially with the continuous increased in the number of new infections. The study was carried out in this setting due to high influx of patients at the facility. At served as referral centre for HIV/AIDS in the state and the only state government-owned tertiary hospital.
Objective: The study assessed knowledge and influence of spirituality on HIV/AIDS patients’ adherence to treatment at a Teaching Hospital in Ekiti State, Nigeria.
Method: The study employed a cross sectional and descriptive research design using a sample size of 250 participants. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used and semi-structured adapted questionnaire was used. Data analysis was through descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: The study revealed high level (81.0%) of adherence, while there was high level (68.2%) of spirituality and religiosity (75.6%). Also, marital (X2= 40.377, p= 0.000), religion (X2= 15.557, p= 0.004) and occupation (X2= 36.354, p= 0.000) were significantly associated with participants’ knowledge level. Age (X2=8.448, p= 0.004), monthly income (X2=4.895, p= 0.027) and duration of diagnosis (X2=4.808, p= 0.028) were significantly associated with adherence to medication. Age (X2= 7.220, p= 0.007), occupation (X2= 11.613, p= 0.020) and monthly income (X2= 6.428, p= 0.011) were significantly associated with religiosity. However, only marital status (X2= 11.745, p= 0.008) was significantly associated with spirituality.
Conclusion: Healthcare professionals should be conscious of the importance of spirituality in the life of HIV/AID patients, hence, the need to respect patients’ beliefs and involve them in care planning.
Keywords: Knowledge, Influence, Spirituality, Religiosity, Adherence, HIV/AIDs