Vol. 5, Issue 1, Part A (2023)

Background: The use of Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis among HIV/AIDs patients on anti-retroviral therapy has demonstrated a significant reduction in morbidity and mortality rates by preventing the reoccurrence of opportunistic infection among HIV-infected patients
Methods: Retrospective cohort design study was employed with the use of 273 medical records of 273 HIV/AIDs patients who were on cotrimoxazole prophylaxis were evaluated against the recommendation of the 2010 National Guideline for Treatment, prevention, and Care for HIV/AIDs patients for level of compliance. Knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare professionals on cotrimoxazole prophylaxis were also assessed using a structured questionnaire.
Results: 55 Patients (20.5%. N= 272) were initiated on Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis when their CD4 cell count was less than 350 cell/mm3 contrary to 2010 National guidelines’ recommendations. Sixteen patients each (5.8%) received an inappropriate dosage of cotrimoxazole and used it against contra-indications respectively. There was no significant variation among the health care professionals as regards the basic knowledge of cotrimoxazole. However, physicians seem to have a better attitude and practice skills regarding cotrimoxazole use for HIV/AIDs patients.
Conclusion: The use of cotrimoxazole as prophylaxis among HIV/AIDs patients in Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital Okolobiri was consistent with the 2010 National Guidelines’ recommendations in most patients regarding CD4 criteria for initiation, dosage, discontinuation, and use in the presence of contraindication. Hence, there was an appropriate use of Cotrimoxazole as prophylaxis among HIV/AIDs patients in this study setting.