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Background: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has played a crucial role in minimizing the worldwide impact of HIV infection. Numerous HIV patients face challenges in adhering to their treatment due to various physical, social, and psychological factors. This study aimed to explore the correlation between psychosocial stress and treatment adherence among HIV/AIDS patients at a hospital in Nigeria. Methods: In this study, a descriptive analytical design was utilized to select (n=171) HIV-infected clients attending the virology clinic at Uniosun Teaching Hospital (UTH). Convenient sampling was employed to choose participants from a total monthly population of 271 patients who visit the clinic. Data collection was performed using a questionnaire consisting of four sections and 57 items. Descriptive and inferential statistics, such as the Chi-square test and correlation analysis, were employed to present and analyze the data. Results: A significant proportion (61.4%) of the patients experienced a moderate level of stress. The most notable sources of stress reported by patients were the need for HIV status disclosure (71.9%) and rejection from family and friends (66.7%). Rejections by friends and family, stigma and discrimination, social and economic challenges, as well as antiretroviral therapy showed a significant association with HIV-related stress (p < 0.001). Furthermore, a significant inverse correlation was found between psychosocial stress and treatment adherence (r = -0.705, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Individuals living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) face significant levels of stress and often encounter rejection and stigma. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to establish comprehensive support services aimed at alleviating the stress experienced by these patients and reducing the obstacles they face. Such measures will ultimately enhance treatment compliance and overall well-being.

Abstract Objective Delayed childbearing is an emerging public health issue in developing countries compared with more developed countries, where it is already a major clinical and public health concern. Previous studies have mostly focused on either the health risks associated with delayed childbearing or the reasons for it with little done around the socio-demographic factors associated with it in developing countries. The objective of the study was to examine associated socio-demographic factors of delayed childbearing in Nigeria. Results The study used secondary data pooled from 2003 to 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys. The outcome variable was delayed childbearing. The explanatory variables are selected individual socio-demographic characteristics and community characteristics. A weighted sample size of 20,550 women was analysed. Results showed a prevalence of 8.0% delayed childbearing in Nigeria. Socio-demographic factors such as higher maternal education, age at first marriage of 25 years or older, modern contraceptive use, and remarriage status were significantly associated with delayed childbearing. Significant associations were also observed with high community literacy level and high proportion of women who ever used modern contraceptive in the community.