Abstract

Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy has considerably enhanced the life span and quality of life of people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Unfortunately, these drugs have been associated with some Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs). This study assessed the general profile and prevalence of ADRs and their associated factors at the Yaoundé Central Hospital in Cameroon. Data were obtained from patients clinical records. Statistical analyses were done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 25. The medical files of 1,254 HIV/AIDS patients who initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) were included in this study, 306 (24.40%) of whom had reported to have developed at least one ADR. The most common biological systems affected were the hematological, systemic, gastro-intestinal, dermatological and central nervous system with 37.58%, 12.75%, 12.75%, 12.75% and 10.78% respectively. Factors that were significantly associated with the development of ADRs included age (p = 0.003), CD4 cell count (p = 0.004), Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis (p = 0.029) and ART regimen (p < 0.001). Additionally we found that about 88.56% of patients who developed ADR were within their first 3 months of treatment. It is important to put in place a good reporting system for the early detection and prevention of ADRs.

Key words: Adverse Drug Reactions, associated factors, ART