Abstract summary 

Substance use is an increasing menace in Nigeria. It is common and even higher among PLWHIV compared to the general population. Substance use increases a person's chance of acquiring HIV due to increased risky behaviours. Gap exists on our understanding of why some clients fail on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) adherence or appointment. Exploring psychoactive substance use among people living with HIV (PLWHIV) and their effect on treatment outcome may help in addressing these problems.The study was at Military Hospital in Makurdi, Benue state, Nigeria. It involved 700 HIV positive clients >18 years selected using simple random sampling method. Analytical cross-sectional study using questionnaire (WHO ASSIST V3.1) was done. Chi-square test was used for association of characteristics of clients with substance use and treatment outcome (CD4 count and Viral load) at p < 0.05. Binary logistic regression was used to identify predictors.Prevalence of ever used and current use of any psychoactive substance were 539(77.0%) and 459(65.6%) respectively. Commonest used substances were alcohol 445(63.6%), Bitter cola/Kola nut 260(37.1%) and tobacco products 138(19.7%). Predictors of ever used substance were; Males (AOR 2.21; 95% CI 1.41-3.49), single (AOR 3.63; 95% CI 1.58-18.38), Christians (AOR 8.88; 95% CI 1.19-66.31), keeping to appointments (AOR 2.26; 95% CI 1.37-12.01). Ever used substance was predictor for CD4 count increase (AOR 1.45; 95% CI 1.22-1.83) and viral load suppression (AOR 0.40; 95% CI 0.12-0.75).There was a high prevalence of substance use. Ever used psychoactive substance were determinants for treatment outcome. There is need for new strategy and involvement of mental health professional in the care of PLWHIV to address this.

Authors & Co-authors:  Ezema G C GC Aniwada E C EC Onwasigwe C N CN

Study Outcome 

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