Authors : Chukwudi Kennedy Okwor; Benedicta Ozonweke; Greg Abiaziem; Fabian Bassey; Olayiwola Olarewaju; Amana Effiong; John Oko Okpanachi; Uchechukwu Obodoechina.

Volume/Issue : Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 6 - June

Google Scholar : https://bit.ly/3TmGbDi

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/ycxjhknd

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8123158

Abstract : Background: Adherence to antiretroviral medication is critical in sustaining viral suppression among people living with HIV. This is problematic in pediatrics and adolescents who rely on caregivers for optimal treatment outcomes. This paper highlights the role of the use of an electronic alarm reminder system on ART adherence and viral load suppression with a view to adopting it in the routine management of pediatrics and adolescents with HIV. Methods: A cohort of children and adolescents with unsuppressed viral load results were listed and divided into two groups based on their caregivers’ ownership of an electronic alarm device. Group A were 52 in number and had phone alarm device while Group B were eight in number and had no alarm device. An electronic reminder alarm for medication timing was activated for clients with phone alarm devices. They were followed up for three months of Enhanced Adherence Counselling. Their levels of adherence were determined and the viral load values pre- and post-alarm activation were compared using Paired t-Test.Conclusion: The improvement in adherence and viral load outcomes among HIV-positive pediatrics and adolescents on antiretroviral medications after the activation of the electronic alarm reminder system is a pointer that the electronic alarm reminder system could justifiably be introduced in routine pediatric and adolescent ART services.

Keywords : Adherence; Problematic; Adopting; Electronic Alarm Reminder; Viral Load Value; Introduced.