Prevalence of Adverse Drug Reactions in HIV/AIDS Patients on Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy in Bushenyi Medical Centre, Ishaka Adventist Hospital, and Kampala International University Teaching Hospital in Bushenyi District, Western Uganda
Nakajiri Somaiya1, Arafhart Kibirige1, Val Hyginus Udoka Eze2,*
1Department of Public Health, Kampala International University, Uganda.
2Department of Publication and Extension, Kampala International University, Uganda.
*Corresponding Author: Val Hyginus Udoka Eze, udoka.eze@kiu.ac.ug, Department of Publication and Extension, Kampala International University, Western Campus, Ishaka, Uganda (ORCID: 0000-0002-6764-1721)
ABSTRACT
The World Health Organization (WHO) delineates an Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) as an unintended and harmful response to a drug when it is used for disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, or physiological function modification in humans. This definition specifically excludes therapeutic failures, overdose, drug abuse, noncompliance, and medication errors. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of ADRs among HIV/AIDS patients undergoing Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) at Bushenyi Medical Centre, Ishaka-Adventist Hospital, and KIU Teaching Hospital in the Bushenyi district, western Uganda. Patient interviews were conducted using structured questionnaires. A cohort of 333 patients participated in the study. The investigation revealed a prevalence of ADRs at 13.5% (95% CI: 10.2-17.6). Among the 333 patients interviewed, 44 reported experiencing ADRs, with a significant 97.8% of these cases occurring in female patients. Importantly, individuals with co-morbidities had a 55.6-fold higher likelihood of developing ADRs compared to those without any co-morbid conditions (95% CI: 2.4-1286.7). Furthermore, the study indicated an increased risk of ADR development among patients starting HAART within the first year of treatment. In summary, our findings highlight the notable prevalence of ADRs among females, emphasizing the need for gender-specific initiatives to raise awareness and prevent ADRs. Regular monitoring is particularly important for patients with co-morbidities due to the established association between co-medication and susceptibility to ADRs. Additionally, adherence to HAART therapy is essential, as the incidence of ADRs tends to decrease over time.
Keywords: Adverse drug reaction (ADR), HIV/AIDS, Co-morbidities, Anti-Retroviral Therapy, Uganda
CITE AS: Nakajiri Somaiya, Arafhart Kibirige and Val Hyginus Udoka Eze (2024). Prevalence of Adverse Drug Reactions in HIV/AIDS Patients on Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy in Bushenyi Medical Centre, Ishaka Adventist Hospital, and Kampala International University Teaching Hospital in Bushenyi District, Western Uganda. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC AND EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES, 5(1):21-31 https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJSES/2024/10.5.12131