Influence of Self-efficacy and Outcome Expectation on Antiretroviral Therapy among Persons Living With HIV/AIDS in Benue State, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

This study explored the impact of self-efficacy and outcome expectations—particularly anxiety—on adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Benue State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was employed, targeting a population of 52,400 individuals who had been on ART for at least one year across all General Hospitals in the 23 Local Government Areas of the state. From this population, a sample of 400 participants was selected through a two-stage sampling method. Data were collected using a validated 33-item questionnaire titled Perceived Determinants of Viral Load Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Questionnaire (PDVAARTQ), with a reliability coefficient of 0.723 determined by Cronbach’s Alpha. Descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation were used to answer research questions, while inferential statistics including Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Chi-square tests were used to test hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings indicated that anxiety, as a form of outcome expectation, had a statistically significant and moderately negative influence on ART adherence. This means that higher anxiety levels were associated with reduced adherence to treatment. On the other hand, self-efficacy exhibited a statistically significant and strong positive influence on ART adherence, showing that individuals with higher confidence in their ability to manage their health were more likely to stick to their medication regimen. Two hypotheses were tested. The first hypothesis (H₀₁), which stated that self-efficacy does not significantly influence ART adherence, was rejected based on Chi-square results showing a significant positive relationship (p < 0.05). The second hypothesis (H₀₂), positing that anxiety has no influence on adherence, was also rejected, as analysis confirmed a significant negative effect (p < 0.05). The study concluded that psychological factors such as self-efficacy and anxiety play critical roles in ART adherence. It recommended the establishment of comprehensive support systems that address psychological, medical, and social needs, tailored to the individual, to enhance treatment outcomes among people living with HIV/AIDS.