Availability of antiretroviral and non-antiretroviral medicines in the management of HIV/AIDS patients in public hospitals in a North-Central State of Nigeria
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Abstract
Background: Availability of antiretroviral medicines (ARVs) and non-antiretroviral medicines (NARVs) in the management of HIV/AIDS patients is a key determinant of the HIV progression and prognosis.
Objective: This study examined the availability of medicines in the management of HIV/AIDS patients in public hospitals, Kwara State.
Methods: It involved triangulation of research methods comprising a review of 780 prescriptions issued to eligible HIV/AIDS patients, observational checks of dispensed medicines to these patients, observational checks of key medicines in the Pharmacies of HIV Treatment Centers using a checklist and in-depth interviews of prescribers and dispensers who provided healthcare to these patients. The pilot study was conducted at Civil Service Hospital, Ilorin. Quantitative data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 17.00 while in-depth interviews were audio-taped, transcribed and developed into ethnographic summary.
Results: Over 10% of prescribed medicines were out-of-stock of which 4.8% were antiretroviral medicines (ARVs) and 95.2% were non-antiretroviral medicines (NARVs). Analgesics, antimalarials and antimicrobials other than co-trimoxazole accounted for 13.1%, 13.5% and 28.7% of the out-of-stock respectively. The mean percentage score of available key medicine in the Pharmacies was 55.6%. Also, the prescribers and dispensers reported insufficient availability of ARVs and NARVs.
Conclusion: Availability of ARVs and NARVs in HIV/AIDS patients' management in public hospitals, Kwara State did not meet up with the set goal of the Nigerian National Drug Policy. Measures to ensure adequate availability of ARVs and NARVs are recommended.
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