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

Objective: This 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. Methodology: Prospective 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. Results: A 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 nonnucleoside 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. Conclusion: Adherence to HAART reduced viral load to an undetectable level and increased CD4 count among adherent PLWHA on HAART.