HIV- and hypertension-related knowledge and medication adherence in HIV seropositive persons with hypertension.

BACKGROUND:There is increasing prevalence of diseases associated with ageing such as hypertension, among people living with HIV (PLWHV). This study sought to assess: (1) knowledge related to HIV infection and hypertension, (2) adherence to prescribed medications and (3) clinical outcomes among HIV-positive persons with hypertension at a Nigerian hospital. METHODS:The Patient's HIV Knowledge Questionnaire (PHKQ), Hypertension Knowledge-Level Scale (HK-LS) and Adherence to Refills and Medication Scale (ARMS) were administered to 220 eligible patients through the HIV clinic. Demographic and clinical data were also obtained. RESULTS:Participants were predominantly females (57.3%), with a median (IQR) age of 46 (38-58) years; majority were married (67.8%) and employed (60.8%). Participants reported a higher hypertension-related knowledge compared with HIV-related knowledge (63.6% versus 33.3%, Z = -10.263, P < 0.001), but better adherence to antiretroviral medications compared to antihypertensives (100.0% versus 89.3%, Z = -9.118, P < 0.001). Of the 98 participants with documented viral load, 55 (56.1%) had undetectable (<40 copies/ml) values; however, only four (2.0%) of the entire sample had controlled (<140/90 mmHg) blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS:Despite having a higher hypertension-related knowledge, adherence to antihypertensive medications and blood pressure control were poor. There is a need for increased attention to HIV education and comorbidities in PLWHV.