Abstract:
The combination of antiretroviral therapy is the corner stone of management of patients with human
immune deficiency virus infection. Although antiretroviral therapy can reduce viral load to undetectable
level, improve the immunity and prolong survival of patients, antiretroviral drugs are associated with
many adverse effects that may be severe and affect patient adherence and quality of life.
Aims:
The aim of this study was to assess management strategies under taken in patient's experienced common
adverse effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy in Goba Hospital antiretroviral clinic.
Patients and Methods:
A cross sectional study of patient record chart of patients who had follow-up during data collection
period was done followed by patient interview. Data was filled on well structured questionnaire and
analyzed using SPSS for window version 16.0.
Results:
The common adverse effects were Rash (48.8%), Peripheral neuropathy (36.9%) and Anemia (20.24%).
The rate of management was 39.3%. Pyridoxine (36.8%) was commonly prescribed drug for
management of Peripheral neuropathy. Chlorphenarimine gel and Iron gluconate were common drugs
for management of Rash and Anemia respectively. Use of traditional healers (57.7%) was leading reason
for non-management.
Conclusion:
Rate of management for common adverse effect is low. Education should be given on adverse effects for
patients.
