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Socio-cultural Factors Influencing Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Among People Living with HIV/AIDS in a Tertiary Hospital in Southwestern Nigeria

The study investigated the socio-cultural factors influencing adherence to antiretroviral drugs among people living with HIV in a University Teaching Hospital in South-western Nigeria. It investigated the influence of various socio-cultural factors on adherence of PLWHA to treatment regimen People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife and assessed the prevalence of adherence to ART among PLWHA in the study area. These were with the view to ascertaining the influence of socio-cultural factors in the PLWHA’s adherence to antiretroviral therapy in the study location. The study design was a cross-sectional where both qualitative and quantitative research methods were adopted. The quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaire. The participants were HIV diagnosed patients attending clinic at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex in Ile-Ife where ages were between 18 and 60 years. Also two focus group discussion sessions were held with 10 males and 10 females living with HIV and currently on ART. Furthermore, in-depth interviews were conducted on three purposively selected healthcare givers (an experienced nurse, a doctor and a pharmacist) in the clinic. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as tables and percentages and inferential statistics such as Chi Square and cross-tabulations. The qualitative data were analyzed in themes based on the objectives. The findings from the study indicated level of adherence to ART was 89.0% among the respondents. There was a statistically significant relationship (χ 2 = 22.14; p < 0.01) between social and family supports and the degree of adherence to ART among PLWHA. There was a statistically significant relationship between level of adherence and respondents’ age (χ 2 = 66.05, p < 0.05). The older the respondents’ age, the higher the level of adherence to ART. Also the relationship between educational level and adherence to ART was explored and found to be statistically significant (χ 2 = 26.04, p < 0.05). Adherence is inversely proportional to educational attainment. Nutrition, polygyny, difficulty in financing transportation fare to the clinic, unemployment, drug hawkers, religion, excuse duty from work and waking up very early were highlighted as socio-cultural barriers to adherence to ART. Fear of death, strong family support, religious belief, not seeking alternative treatment, absence of rituals and perceived improved health status were identified as very strong facilitators to adherence. The study concluded that socio-cultural factors exert very strong influences on PLWHA’s adherence to antiretroviral therapy.


Introduction
The scourge of Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Acquired Immunodeficiency Diseases (HIV/AIDS) with the development of antiretroviral drugs in its management has gone a long way to make it a chronic manageable disease. However, strict adherence is required to achieve therapeutic success in HIV management. Nigeria has the third largest infected population (2-3.2 million) of People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in the world after South Africa and India [1]. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) affected 37.9 million people globally million of which 36.2 million are adults worldwide as at the end of 2018 [1]. Sub-Saharan Africa with just over 10% of the world's population has the greatest burden of disease (65%). In the year 2018, 2.6 million people had access to antiretroviral treatment which represents 51% of PLWHA accessing ART. [1] Nigeria third among the countries with the highest HIV/AIDS burden in the world, next only to India and South Africa. There is therefore the need for concerted efforts toward tackling this menace. The development and widespread use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) as the treatment of choice in HIV has improved significantly the health conditions of HIV positive individuals who could have untimely death. The ART however, has transformed the perception of HIV/AIDS from a fatal incurable disease to a manageable chronic illness [2]. The treatment causes improvement in immunologic status and reduction in the viral load [3] which consequently reduces the incidence of hospitalization and mortality [4].
However, incomplete medication adherence is the most important factor in treatment failure and the development of resistance. Adherence is the term used to describe the patient's behaviour of taking drugs correctly in the right dose, with the right frequency and at the right time. Antiretroviral treatment success depends on sustainable high rates of adherence to medication regimen of ART [5]. On the other hand, ART regimens are habitually complicated with variable dosage schedules, dietary requirements and adverse effects [6]. Treatment success can be precarious with missing of few doses of antiretroviral medication which leads to drug resistant strains of HIV [7]. An adherent patient is defined as one who takes 95% of the prescribed doses on time and in the correct way, either with or without food. Adherence is a major predictor of the survival of individuals living with HIV/AIDS [8] and poor adherence to treatment remains a major obstacle in the fight against HIV/AIDS worldwide. Low or incomplete medication adherence has been associated with detectable viral load (> 500 viral RNA copies/ ml of plasma) (Ruthbun, Farmer, Stephens, & Lockhard, 2005) with the development of cross resistance to other antiretroviral of the same class (Tchetgen, Kaplan, & Friendland, 2001). Although, more potent antiretroviral regimens can allow for effective viral suppression at moderate levels of adherence [9], none or partial adherence can lead to the development of drug-resistant strains of the virus. Cross-resistance however can potentially interfere with future therapeutic regimens for HIV-infected patients undergoing treatment and for those who subsequently become infected with resistant strains of HIV [9].
Several studies on ART adherence [7,10,11] had largely focused on the extent of adherence, knowledge and attitude, little attention was paid to associated socio-cultural factors that could pre-suppose adherence. The existence of various studies on the barriers to drug adherence among PLWHA notwithstanding; identifying the social and cultural factors influencing non-adherence to drug among PLWHA as stringent compliance to medication remains a very strong determinant of patients' management outcome have not been given adequate attention. Several researchers have tried to look at those factors ranging from socio-economic issues, environmental factors, and patient-doctor's interaction among PLWHA affecting their adherence, but not much attention have been paid to the influence of social and cultural factors simultaneously on this issue. This is the gap that this research intends to fill. As such adherence level of ART and socio-cultural factors will be addressed.

Objectives
The general objective of this study is to examine the various social and cultural factors hindering adherence to antiretroviral drugs of PLWHA in OAUTHC, Ile-Ife. The specific objectives are to: 1. assess the prevalence of adherence to ART among PLWHA in the study area and 2. investigate the influence of socio-cultural factors on adherence to treatment regimen in the study area.

Theoretical Framework
This study combined both Action theory and Information Motivation and Behavioural Skills Model. The theoretical framework for this study is Action Theory which is a sociological perspective that focuses on the individual as a subject. It views social action as something purposively shaped by individuals within a context to which they have given meaning. Action theory approach has its foundations in Max Weber's 'interpretive theory' which claims that it is necessary to know the subjective purpose and intent of the actor before an observer can understand the meaning of social action.
In his action theory, Weber's clear intent was to focus on individuals and patterns and regularities of action. Action in the sense of subjectively understandable orientation of behaviour exists only as the behaviour of one or more individual human beings [12]. Weber argued that sociological explanation of actions should begin with observing and interpreting the subjective inner state of the actor. By subjective inner state, Weber was referring to the capacity of the actors to act on their interpretation, understanding, meaning and judgment, and to exercise rational choice by carrying out their actions with a view to realizing their choice in the society. Thus, Weber made use of the terms interpretation, meaning, understanding and judgment to identify the subjective inner state of an actor that makes him/her to act the way he/she does.
Max Weber's 'interpretive sociology' claims that it is necessary to know the subjective purpose and intent of the actor before an observer can understand the meaning of social action. From this we can speak of social action insofar as it has a subjective judgment and meaning of the inner state of the actor. If action therefore stems from the subjective inner state of the actor [13], it is imperative to discover those meanings in order to understand and explain the actions of the actors. Meaning of an action therefore lies in the specific value consideration of the actor.
Weber further stated that the society is a product of human actions according to values and value end. Thus, whatever is produced in society by human action is the result of the value attached to it. According to Weber, the decision to act in a certain way is always the product of the actor's value, understanding, meaning and interpretative judgment within a given society or social group [14]. This is because our society or social group to which we belong has value system and also has particular views of life. From our social groups we learn the value system and ways of perceiving issues and we structure our action in line with our perception.

Information Motivation and Behavioural Skills Model
The other theoretical framework this study intends using is the Information Motivation and Behavioural Skills Model. The Information motivation, behaviour skills models will be reviewed to discuss adherence to antiretroviral treatment. According to [15], Information-Motivation-Behavioural Skills-Model of adherence assumes that adherence related information, motivation and behavioural skills are critical determinants of adherence to antiretroviral treatment.
The model states that adherence-related information, motivation work through adherence-related behavioural skills to affect adherence to antiretroviral treatment. The implication of this model translates therefore to the extent that HIV patients are well informed, motivated to take action and possess the required behavioural skills to act effectively. substantial health benefit of the treatment. Conversely, poor or non-adherence will occur and health benefit lost when HIV positive patients are poorly informed, motivated to take action and lack the required behavioural skills to act effectively, they will be more likely to adhere to medication regimens over time and in turn derive/experience. This model is of very significant value as a wide range of health related behaviours is linked to the profound influence of three key elements of information, motivation and behavioural skills [15].

Study Location
The study was conducted in the Institute of Human Virology of Nigeria which is situated inside the premises of the teaching hospital in Ile-Ife. It was conducted among the clients currently receiving ART there. This institution has catchment of patients from Ondo, Osun and Ekiti states. The choice of the study location is as a result of the centre being a referral centre and at the same time the only place where ART is being carried out according to the national guideline on management of HIV/AIDS patients in Ile-Ife and its environs. This centre is selected as patients diagnosed of HIV from various neighbouring communities are referred to this centre for management hence having a wide distribution of clients from various zones.

Research Design
The study design was cross-sectional and both qualitative and quantitative research methods were adopted. Adherence was determined based on assessment of six sets of questions on patients taking their medication without missing any drug within the last one week and non-adherence was based upon inconsistency or default in taking the drugs within the last one week.

Population and Sample Size
The study populations were 3007 patients (male and female) between the ages of 18 and 60 years who have been receiving ARV drugs for over six months before the commencement of this study. Pregnant women, children and any other patients with other morbidities were not included in the study.
Sampling size was determined using the formula n(f) = n/ 1 +(n/N) n= z2 pq/d2 where z = standard deviation 1.96 (Fischer 1981) p = prevalence of adherence in southwest is 44% = 0.44 q = failure rate = 1-p = 1-0.44 = 0.56 d = level of significance = 0.05 N = study population = 3,007 Hence the sample size calculated is 336. As such 336 copies of questionnaire were administered on respondents. Also three in-depth interviews were conducted with a nurse, a doctor, and a pharmacist.

Sampling Technique
The sample for the study comprised of male and female clients who have been on ART for more than six months and between the ages of 18 to 60 years. One out of every tenth patients was systematically selected as they presented on each clinic days and were recruited until the desired sample size was achieved. These constituted the patients that were administered questionnaires. Furthermore, two focus group discussion sessions were conducted. Each group was made up 10 participants. One group consisted males and the other females. Respondents for questionnaire were purposively selected. This sampling technique was used due to the sensitive nature of the study and only few people fit into the purpose of the study. Patients aged between 18 and 60 years on HAART for more than 6 months were eligible for inclusion.

Research Instrument
The research instruments for this study were comprised of structured questionnaire. Each questionnaire comprised five sections namely, Sections A, B, C, D and E. Section A contained socio-demographic variables. This section was designed to provide information on respondent's sociodemographic variables such as age, sex, marital status among others. Section B contained questions on HIV status and knowledge. Section C contained questions on client's perception of ART. Section D contained questions on support network and various socio-cultural factors affecting ART while section assessed adherence to ART. Also interview guide was used to collect with seven sets of questions to assess various socio-cultural factors affecting adherence to ART. Focus group discussion guide was also used to collect information from the respondents. Section A collected information on demographic variables, section was used to assess individual factors affecting ART and section C collected information on socio-cultural variables. The questionnaires were administered to the respondents at the clinic on their clinic days in the hospital while the interview and focus discussion groups were conducted in the consulting room after the end of the clinic for the day.

Method of Data Collection
Several visits to the clinic and interaction with health workers and PLWHA indicated that there were about 3,000 PLWHA. Staff and patients were favourably disposed to participating in the study.
Data were collected at the clinic by the researcher. In order for the data collection to be hitch free, permission was sought and obtained from the director of the Institute. Structured questionnaire was administered to the respondents. Interviews were conducted with the aid of an interview guide and included probes for further questioning, covering questions on how ART fitted into their daily routines and what the key barriers (social, personal and cultural factors) to adherence to ART were. Also two focus group discussion sessions were conducted for 10 males and 10 females with the aid of the focus group discussion guide. The interviews were conducted and audio-taped by the researcher. Data were collected between May and September 2015.

Data Analysis
The analysis of quantitative data was done in three stages. Firstly, the information obtained from the field was edited; the copies of questionnaire were thoroughly checked to correct all inconsistencies in responses by the respondents. This was done in form of field editing, that is, checking for mistakes and omissions in recording of information while on the field. Secondly, data analysis was preceded by datacoding and data-entry and analysed using Statistical package for social sciences version 20. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The descriptive data were presented in the form of frequency distribution and percentages for inferential statistics, cross-tabulation of some variables and hypotheses, chi-square and regression analysis were employed to test the strength of relationship among the variables. The level of significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Information elicited through qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. The data were analysed in themes as each objective formed a theme. The audio responses were transcribed and verbatim quotations were utilized to describe the responses from the qualitative method.

Ethical Consideration
Before the commencement of the study, the purpose of the study was explained to the respondents, assuring them of the confidentiality of their responses and identities. They were also assured that they would not come to any harm as a result of participating in the study. Also their consent was sought and obtained prior to participation. Also, Ethical permission for the study was obtained from the Ethics and Research committee of OAUTHC, Ile-Ife.

Results
Firstly, univariate analyses presented the sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents using frequency distribution and percentages. The variables presented are sex, age, marital status, ethnic affiliation, religion, level of education, occupation, average monthly income, place of residence and people whom they are residing with. In all, three hundred and thirty-six (336) copies of questionnaire were administered in the clinic but three hundred and twenty-nine (329) were retrieved for analysis. The response rate is about 98%. Table 1 presented the relationship between level of adherence to ART and socio-demographic variables.

Relationships Between the Socio-demographic Variables and the Level of Adherence to ART
It can be seen from the table that a significant relationship exists between adherence and respondents' age. (χ 2 = 66.05, p < 0.05). Also the data showed that the older the respondents the higher their level of adherence to ART. Majority (62.4%) of the respondents in the 31 to 40 years age range were found to possess high level (62.4%) of adherence to ART than other groups (e.g. 14.3% for 15 to 30 age bracket). At the very high level of adherence, more (60.2%) of the older respondents (41 to 50yrs of age) feature than younger ones (27.7% among 31 to 40yrs of age). However, at very low level of adherence more of the younger respondents (15 to 30 years of age) featured very prominently (14.3%) compared with the other age categories (e.g. 1.4% among 31 to 40 years age group and 0% for those in the 41 to 50yrs age bracket).
Also, the data indicate that the level of adherence is significantly related to the ethnic group of the respondents (χ 2 = 46.52, p < 0.05). All the respondents who demonstrated very high level of adherence are Yoruba (40.8%), at the high level of adherence, Yoruba also feature prominently (49.7%) while the Igbo constitute only 25 percent and none of those at high level of adherence from the Hausa ethnic group. All the Hausa in the study were found at the low level of adherence.
The respondents' religion is also significantly related to their level of adherence to ART (χ 2 =16.76, p < 0.05). The traditional religion practitioners featured prominently (50%) compared with other religious groups. At the very low level of adherence, adherents of the Islam feature more prominently (12.5%) than the Christian (1.9%). When the relationship between educational level and adherence to ART was explored, a significant relationship was found to exist (χ 2 =26.04, p < 0.05). Adherence is inversely proportional to educational attainment. At the very high level of adherence response with secondary school educational attainments feature most prominently (45.4%) closely followed by those with post-secondary educational attainment (40.9%). Most of those with low adherence were post-secondary educational attainment.
Further, a significant relationship exists between adherence with ART and occupation (χ 2 = 86.66, p < 0.05). Those who were employed in the private sector featured most (60%) in the category of those who possess very high level of adherence and are closely followed by artisans (50%). Public sector workers featured most prominently among those with low level of adherence with ART.
Finally, adherence with ART is also significantly related to whom the respondents live with. Among the respondents in the very high level of adherence group, those who live alone featured most prominently (83.3%) closely followed by those who live with their children (42.9%). Those who live with relative featured very prominently among those with very low level of adherence while those who live with their friends possessed low level of adherence to ART.  Table 2 below presents the distribution of the respondent's level of adherence to ART, it was indicated that 89.0% of the PLWHA have overall high adherence level to their ART. To measure the respondent's level of adherence as presented in section E of the questionnaire, the questions were scored such that a 'yes' response was allocated 1 and a 'no' response was scored 0, negative items were transposed and then the scores were cumulated to constitute a measure of adherence to ART. The scores were categorized in such a way that any score of 3 or less were regarded as 'very low', any score greater than 3 and up to 4 were regarded as 'low', any score greater than 4 and up to 5 were regarded as 'high' and any score greater than 5 and up to 6 were regarded as 'very high'. When asked during the focus group discussions on how many of their doses did they miss in the last one week here are the following excerpts:  Table 3 below showed the relationship between social and family supports and level of adherence to ART along with its significance. It revealed that among respondents with very low adherence support, little above half of them have high level of adherence to ART, while about 22.9 percent and 19.7 percent of them have very high and low level of adherence respectively. Among respondents with high social and family support, expectedly, 47 percent and 45 percent have high and very high level of adherence respectively to ART with very minute proportion having low level of adherence to ART.

Relationships Between Social/Family Support and Level of Adherence to ART
The Pearson's chi-square value was 22.14. The probability associated with the chi-square statistic of 22.14 was .001 indicating a strong association between family support and level of adherence to ART. Among people with very low level of adherence, 4.9% had low family support while 3.4% had high family support.

Polygyny
The culture of having more than one wife is a common phenomenon in the area of study hence it was highlighted by the interviewees as one of the barriers to ART among PLWHA.
Extract 21: In-depth Interview with Health Worker (A Nurse) 'there are some women in the polygamous settings that won't disclose to their husband because they don't want the other wives to know and because of that when the man is around they will not use their medication so that the man will not ask why are you using these drugs, what is it for, so with that they are not really adherent and at the end of the day problem will come. In fact, there's a particular woman that refused to disclose to the husband, the first husband died, she married another one and this one discovered after so many years of living together and he just picked the medication and took it away and the drugs are not within her reach, somebody like that cannot use it because the drugs are out of her reach, somebody like that cannot come back to collect, so eventually decided to stay away' Extract 22: In-depth Interview with Health Worker (A Medical Doctor) 'Polygyny is a very good example, but some of them it can be husband that's first diagnose or later the wife and they do disclose to each other later so as to take the drugs together'

Transport Fare to the Clinic
A very strong factor has been adduced to getting finances for transportation to the clinic on their appointment days as could be seen from these excerpts.
Extract 23: Response from one of the PLWHA 'as soon as I collect my salary I set aside my transport fees to this place as I come from a very far place' (FGD2, Female, 42 years) Extract 24: Response from one of the PLWHA 'the only thing is the transportation fare. Before cd4 count was free but now we pay for cd4 count' (FGD1, Female, 46 years) Extract 25: Response from one of the PLWHA 'I just struggle to get transport fare when coming for clinic' (FGD2, Female, 33 years)

Unemployment
Joblessness or unemployment was also identified as a factor militating against adherence to ART has been reported by health worker: Extract 26: In-depth Interview with Health Worker (A Nurse) 'Issue of job unemployment is another problem, if they are gainfully employed it will still be better because I met a patient that have defaulted from the clinic one time and he was trying to explain to me that his problem is money and that he goes from one relative to another as he is not gainfully employed'

Drug Hawkers
Extract 27: In-depth Interview with Health Worker (A Nurse) 'if you stay in the center of the town in the evening even during the day, there are lots of drug vendors using vehicles to advertise drugs claiming that they can cure HIV.'

Religion
Most of the respondents interviewed have a strong belief in their faith but despite that, they drew a very sharp line between taking their medication and their religion. Some of them also said that observing fast is no more possible for them so as to adhere very well to the drugs. However, few respondents were of the strong belief in their religion more than the ARV drugs.
Extract 31: Response from one of the PLWHA 'we are just praying that God will put a full stop to it, the final cure/medicine that we cure it, before I was told malaria was like this and later they find cure to it and I belief because, I didn't die when the illness hold me to the extent that I cannot drink water, immediately I eat I will vomit it then' (FGD1, Male, 50 years) Excerpts from a nurse informed on the influence of the faith leaders in their adherence: 'In this environment we are so religious and little things like this we will run to our faith leaders so when they go there, maybe the faith leader is not well informed, some we tell them if they can pray and fast their HIV will go but whereas there are some faith leaders that will interact too here and we encourage them here and support them there are some of them that only disclose their status to their pastors and their pastors have been supportive. We counsel faith leaders here we even invite them and have meetings with them' (Nurse)

Taking Excuse Duty from Work
As part of factors influencing adherence to ART, the problem of taking excuse form work and informing their coworkers of going to clinic on their appointment days pose a threat to adherence.

Waking up very Early
In preparing for the clinic days, most respondents affirmed that waking up very early so as to get to clinic on time and not to miss the appointment, they have to deprive themselves of adequate sleep a day prior to their visit

(iii). Improvement on Health Status
Good clinical and physical outcome as could have been seen from the PLWHA among themselves as evident of being compliant with the ARV has greatly motivated them to adhere to their ARV drugs.

Discussion of Findings
The focus of this study was to contribute to the knowledge in the area of socio-cultural factors that influence adherence to antiretroviral therapy among PLWHA in Ile-Ife. It has been pointed out by researchers that for PLWHA to live a long healthy life there must be a very high level of adherence or compliant to the antiretroviral therapy. This is because these classes of drugs are the only form of management for HIV presently as there has been no cure for this ailment. The prevalence of adherence to ART in this study was 89.0%. This finding was lower than that conducted by [16] in Ilorin where the adherence prevalence was 92.6% as low lack of transportation money, travelling and avoiding being seen were the main factors given for non-adherence among them. However, [17] revealed higher prevalence 97.8% which was more than what this study reported. This probably was attributable to a fairly good knowledge and perception of ART among the respondents. Contrary to [18], the prevalence was low 58.1% as the adherence was dependent on adverse drug effects and educational level of patients. Poor financial status, medication adverse effects, lack of confidentiality, occupational factors and stigmatization were the major reasons given for non-adherence. The higher prevalence in this present study was attributed to age, ethnicity, educational level, occupation and whom they are living with.
Considering the influence of socio-cultural factors on the adherence to ART, the study found a very high support from family members of PLWHA and their friends as a very strong indicator for adherence with 86.0% have a high support level from them. It showed a significant association between family/social support and adherence to ART (χ 2 = 22.4, p < 0.05). However, interviews revealed other various socio-cultural factors like nutrition, polygyny, finances for transport fare to the clinic, issues of unemployment, drug hawkers, fasting for religious activity, use of anointing oils, waking up very early for clinic appointments and taking excuses or permissions from duty were all identified as militating factors against adherence to ART. Meanwhile, fear of death, strong family support, non-availability of alternative form of treatment and improvement in health status contributed to their adherence to ART. To support the result from this study, [19] affirmed that perceived health benefits, and family support were the most-reported facilitators to adherence on ART.
A significant statistically relationship was reported between age, ethnicity, level of education, occupational level, whom they live with and adherence level among the respondents. The age group 31-40 years which are within the reproductive age group adhered strongly to ART. Education attainment and level of adherence to ART exhibited a significant statistical relationship (χ 2 = 26.04, p < 0.05). Adherence is inversely proportional to educational attainment. At the very high level of adherence response with secondary school educational attainments feature most prominently (45.4%) closely followed by those with post-secondary educational attainment (40.9%). Most of those with low adherence were post-secondary educational attainment. This probably informed them of their awareness and knowledge on their status hence, improved their level of adherence. Medication adherence was found to be significantly associated with non-use of traditional herbal medicine [10], which was supported by the finding from this study as not seeking alternative treatment contributed positively to adherence in this study.
The respondents' religion is also significantly related to their level of adherence to ART (χ 2 = 16.76, p < 0.05). The traditional religion practitioners featured prominently (50%) compared with other religious groups. At the very low level of adherence, adherents of the Islam feature more prominently (12.5%) than the Christian (1.9%). This could be attributed to Islam religion which emphasizes on destiny while Christianity focus more on faith healing.

Conclusion
The study concluded that various social factors like strong family support, fear of death resulted in a very high level of adherence to ART among PLWHA. It was noted that cultural factors like lack of traditional practices i.e. absence of ritual performing and non-use of herbal or alternative medicines were found to be strong facilitators for adherence to ART. It was revealed that a client's adherence level to ART was very high. As part of the factors influencing adherence negatively to adherence were social factors like poor or lack of good nutrition, lack of transportation cost to the clinic, and unemployment status. The cultural factors that constituted adversely to adherence were polygyny, drug hawkers and adverse religion practices (drinking of anointing oils in place of drugs).