Olamide Olajumoke Afolalu, Oluwabusolami Esther Atekoja, Oluwadamilare Akingbade, Mrs Karimat Itunu Jolayemi, Zaccheus Opeyemi Oyewumi, Boluwatife Deborah Oyelabi, Semiu Opeyemi Adeyeye,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (7-2021)
Abstract
Background: Polypharmacy (PP) and inappropriate medication use (IMU) are issues that negatively affect the health care system. Despite nurses’ engagement and important role in prevention of drug-related issues, awareness regarding consequences of PP and IMU is relatively low. This study aimed to determine the knowledge and perception effects about PP and IMU among nurses in the Lautech teaching hospital, Osun state, Nigeria.
Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed on 190 randomly selected nurses working at the Lautech teaching hospital (Osun state, Nigeria) in June 2020. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire. The reliability of the questionnaire was verified by obtaining a Cronbach alpha score of 0.77. Data analysis was done in SPSS 25 using descriptive statistics, the Chi-square test. All analyses were carried out at significance level of 0.05.
Results: The findings revealed that most nurses (84.2%) had good knowledge about PP. In addition, 93.2% of the nurses claimed that IMU should be entirely avoided. According to the nurses, the most important perceived effect of PP and IMU was adverse drug reactions (57.9%). There was a significant relationship between nurses level of educational and knowledge of PP (χ2=12.095, P=0.002). Moreover, there was a positive correlation between the respondents’ age and knowledge of PP (r=0.204, P=0.016). There was also a significant negative correlation between the nurses' knowledge and perceived effect of PP and IMU (r=0.605, P<0.001).
Conclusion: The results indicate that the nurses working at the study setting possess good knowledge of PP and IMU. Educational programs such as seminars and workshops are essential for translating this information into routine nursing care.
Olayinka Oluseyi Ajao, Olamide Olajumoke Afolalu, Ganiyat Adeniran, Stephen Gbadebo Olawale, Mrs Rukayat Agboola-Bello,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (4-2023)
Abstract
Background: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has played a crucial role in minimizing the worldwide impact of HIV infection. Numerous HIV patients face challenges in adhering to their treatment due to various physical, social, and psychological factors. This study aimed to explore the correlation between psychosocial stress and treatment adherence among HIV/AIDS patients at a hospital in Nigeria.
Methods: In this study, a descriptive analytical design was utilized to select (n=171) HIV-infected clients attending the virology clinic at Uniosun Teaching Hospital (UTH). Convenient sampling was employed to choose participants from a total monthly population of 271 patients who visit the clinic. Data collection was performed using a questionnaire consisting of four sections and 57 items. Descriptive and inferential statistics, such as the Chi-square test and correlation analysis, were employed to present and analyze the data.
Results: A significant proportion (61.4%) of the patients experienced a moderate level of stress. The most notable sources of stress reported by patients were the need for HIV status disclosure (71.9%) and rejection from family and friends (66.7%). Rejections by friends and family, stigma and discrimination, social and economic challenges, as well as antiretroviral therapy showed a significant association with HIV-related stress (p < 0.001). Furthermore, a significant inverse correlation was found between psychosocial stress and treatment adherence (r = -0.705, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Individuals living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) face significant levels of stress and often encounter rejection and stigma. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to establish comprehensive support services aimed at alleviating the stress experienced by these patients and reducing the obstacles they face. Such measures will ultimately enhance treatment compliance and overall well-being.
