Health literacy and adherence to care by people living with Human Immune Deficiency Virus (PLWHIV) in Nasarawa State

Abstract

Background: Adherence to care among people living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLWHIV) has become a serious concern for healthcare practitioners. This study aimed to determine the health literacy (HL) and level of adherence to care among PLWHIV in Nasarawa State.
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 396 HIV patients accessing antiretroviral therapy in Nasarawa State from June to July 2023. Two pretested interview-administered questionnaires were used to collect data on HL and adherence to care. Data entry and analysis were done using IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25.0. Descriptive statistics were used to describe respondent’s characteristics. Categorical variables were reported as frequencies and percentages. The association of HL domains with the level of adherence to care was determined using F-stat.
Results: The dimensions of health literacy, including feeling understood and supported by healthcare providers, the ability to actively engage with healthcare providers, and navigating the healthcare system, were found to be significantly associated with the age of the respondents (p< 0.05). High health literacy and a good level of adherence to care were found in 65.7% of the population. Adherence to care was significantly associated with HL, age, level of education, and marital status (p< 0.05).
Conclusion: The level of adherence to care by PLWHIV in Nasarawa State is significantly associated with HL. To enhance treatment adherence, healthcare professionals should boost the HL of PLWHIV in Nasarawa State by providing clearer and more accessible health information to patients during clinic visits.