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.
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.
