Socio-Demographic Factors Associated with Medication Adherence Among People Living with HIV in Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana.

Abstract Background Medication adherence plays a great role in the survival of people living with HIV globally. In Ghana, there is a considerable decline in the prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS, however, the number of people on antiretroviral therapy keeps adding up. We assessed the socio-demographic factors associated with medication adherence among people living with HIV in Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana. Method A quantitative study using descriptive, and analytical cross-sectional study design was carried out among 420 people living with HIV (PLHIV) accessing healthcare at Kumasi South Regional Hospital. A structured questionnaire was used to gather information on medication adherence and socio-demographic factors influencing medication adherence. Analyses of the data were done using Excel version 2013 and Stata version 14.2. The descriptive data were presented using frequencies and percentages. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to establish the association between socio-demographic factors and adherence to medication among people living with HIV. Statistical significance for all testing was set as p<0.05. Results About 69 out of 100 PLHIV accessing healthcare at Kumasi South Regional Hospital adhered to their medication. Socio-demographic factors such as age and monthly disposable income were established to be influencing medication adherence among PLHIV. For instance, PLHIV aged more than 41 (aOR=12.67; CI= 1.36-118.11) were more likely to adhere to medication as compared to those aged 18-23. Also, PLHIV who earned less than GH₵500 (aOR=2.18; CI= 1.05-4.50) were more likely to adhere to medication as compared to those who earned more than GH₵1,000. Conclusion Majority of PLHIV adhered to their medication. Therefore, policy makers such as Ghana AIDS Commission, Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, and National AIDS Control Programme should consider factors such as socio-demographic factors when designing and implementing programmes on medication adherence among PLHIV.