The Impact of Place of Residence on Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined how place of residence (urban vs. rural) influences adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Nigeria. Synthesizing data from six studies, the analysis found that PLWH residing in urban areas were more likely to adhere to ART than those in rural settings, suggesting that access factors linked to residence affect treatment adherence. The authors recommend prioritizing support for rural PLWH who may face greater barriers to care.