Psychiatric Co-Morbidity and Substance Use Associated with Medication Adherence Among People Living with HIV, Virology Clinic of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital - Dr Aborlo Kennedy Nkporbu, Day 5, 09:00-10:30

Presented as part of the Uniting the global community to face the challenge of addiction event, online on 16th May, 2022

Presentation:

• Psychiatric Co-Morbidity and Substance Use Associated with Medication Adherence Among People Living with HIV, Virology Clinic of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital - Dr Aborlo Kennedy Nkporbu

Abstract:

• Psychiatric Co-Morbidity and Substance Use Associated with Medication Adherence Among People Living with HIV, Virology Clinic of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital - Dr Aborlo Kennedy Nkporbu

Background: HIV infection is an endemic communicable chronic disease, of enormous public health concern worldwide particularly, Sub-Saharan African. Substance use and associated psychiatric co-morbidity among the sufferers may affect medication adherence.

Aim: To determine the effect of psychiatric co-morbidity and substance use on medication adherence among people living with HIV at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 230 Subjects Living with HIV. Socio-demographic questionnaire was used. A structured questionnaire was used to assess use of psychoactive substances. Psychiatric co-morbidity was assessed using the GHQ-12 in conjunction with the DSM 5. The MARS was used to assess medication adherence. Data was analysed using the SPSS version 20.

Results:The prevalence of psychological co-morbidity among PLWHIV was 30.6%. Alcohol use disorders was the highest with 73 (31.7%), followed by cigarette smoking 38 (16.5%) while nicotine snuffing was the least with 1 (0.4%). Of the 43(18.7%) with poor medication adherence, 31(15.2%) had psychiatric co-morbidity, 26(11.3%) had substance use, 25(10.8%) had both psychiatric and substance use co-morbidity while 19(8.2%) had none (p=0.004).

Conclusion:Psychological co-morbidity and substance use are prevalent among PLWHIV, and may affect medication adherence.

Keywords: Psychological co-morbidity, Substance use, Medication adherence, PLWHIV.

Learning objectives

1. At the end of this presentation, participants should be able to appreciate the complex interplay of medical condition, mental disorder, substance use and drug adherence.
2. At the end of this presentation, participants should be able to understand the pattern of psychiatric co-morbidity and drug use among PLWHIV.
3. At the end of this presentation, participants should be able to embrace the need for appropriate preventive and treatment psychosocial measures for PLWHIV.

Other author names

• Dr. Ayodeji O
• Prof. P.C. Stanley