USE of Traditional and Alternative MEDICAL THERAPY Among Clients ON Antiretroviral Drugs IN LAGOS, SOUTHWESTERN Nigeria

Background: With the fear of uncertainties brought about by prolonged use of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, clients on ARVs may seek alternative medical therapy from traditional caregivers with high hopes of getting cured of HIV. On the other hand, adherence to ARVs and efficacy of such medications still remain an issue. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study assessed attitudes towards alternative medical therapy among 400 clients on ARVs in Lagos, southwestern Nigeria using multi-stage sampling method. Semi-structured, pre-tested questionnaires were administered, and responses were analyzed using the SPSS version 13.0. Preliminary Results: Mean age of respondents was 38.9 (+1.3) years. One hundred and twenty four (31.0%) respondents believed that modern medicine may not offer a cure for HIV, and 72 (18.0%) had consulted an alternative practitioner for HIV care/cure. Forty (10.0%) respondents believed that alternative medications can cure HIV infection. Three hundred and twenty-eight (82.0%) respondents used orthodox medications only, and 24 (6.0%) used modern and traditional medications. Thirteen (36.1%) of those who took traditional medications had ever stopped ARVs because of these herbal medications while 35 (33.7%) of those who took immune boosters had ever stopped ARVs because of these immune boosters. Fifty six (14.0%) respondents believed that these alternative medications can work without ARVs. Conclusion: Clients on ARVs seek traditional medical care in quest for prompt relief of their symptoms/cure for HIV and its associated immunosuppressive conditions. Health care workers should be aware of the use of alternative medical therapy by clients on ARVs and improve on adherence counseling.