ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To study the adherence levels and explore factors impacting them in out-patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria antiretroviral clinic of the Jos University Teaching Hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We administered a structured questionnaire to 461 patients presenting to the clinic. Adherence was measured using the patient self-report. The association between independent variables and adherence to ART was measured through odd ratios (OR) in the univariate analysis. The best predictors of adherence were determined through multiple logistic regression models with backward elimination. RESULTS: The adherence level was found to be 87.9%. The following factors were found to have strong impact on adherence in the univariate analysis: age (OR 1.04), sex (OR 1.14), employment (OR 1.29), knowledge of HIV (OR 1.11), thrice daily frequency of drug intake (OR 1.68), twice daily frequency (OR 2.18), alcohol nonintake (OR 0.29), knowledge of ARVs (OR 1.23), pill burden (OR 1.20), and HIV status disclosure (OR 1.08). In the multivariate analysis, only age, alcohol nonintake and twice daily, frequency of drug intake affected adherence (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: To increase adherence and the effectiveness of ART, there is need to continuously emphasize the use of adherence devices and reminders. Counseling and adherence education should also be emphasized especially for younger patients and those with low educational levels.
ABSTRACT
The effect of the extract of Cucumis metuliferus fruit on some male reproductive parameters was investigated in albino rats. The LD50 of the extract was above 5000 mg/kg body weight when administered orally. Histological studies showed that there was no remarkable change in the testes histology compare to the control. The effects on sperm cells showed a statistically significant (P0.05) increase in total sperm count with an insignificant (P0.05) increase in viability count in rats treated with 500 mg/kg dose point. On the other hand; 1000 mg/kg dose point produced significant (P0.05) decrease in total sperm count and viability count compare to control. This result suggests that C. metuliferus fruit extracts could be beneficial in increasing sperm/semen integrity
