A critical assessment of male HIV/AIDS patients’ satisfaction with antiretroviral therapy and its implications for sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Nuhu Japheth Ahmed , Yesilada Figen , Aghaei Iman 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThe emergence of unique and destructive viruses, such as COVID-19, has claimed lives, disrupted health systems and diverted resources from addressing the needs of male HIV/AIDS patients in the context of antiretroviral therapy and other HIV/AIDS-related issues. This study aims to assess male HIV/AIDS patients’ satisfaction with antiretroviral therapy and its implications for sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa.Design/methodology/approachSatisfaction, word-of-mouth, trust and revisit intention were the variables in the research model. A quantitative method was utilized. Data were collected from 400 male HIV/AIDS patients who received medical attention from hospitals in Gombe State, Nigeria, utilizing the convenience sampling method. SmartPLS was used for data analysis.FindingsThe results show that satisfaction has a positive impact on trust, word-of-mouth and revisit intention. Furthermore, trust and word-of-mouth had a significant impact on revisit intentions. Word-of-mouth played a significant mediating role in the relationship between satisfaction and revisit intention. Trust played an insignificant mediating role between satisfaction and revisit intention. Additionally, word-of-mouth had a significant mediating effect on the relationship between trust and revisit intention. Healthcare organisations should prioritise patient satisfaction because it influences their likelihood of returning. Addressing the needs of male HIV patients can significantly enhance their overall healthcare experience, which would lead them to spread positive word of mouth.Research limitations/implicationsHealthcare administrators should make it a top priority to provide superior services that match or exceed patient expectations. The study used quantitative data and focused on the male gender. Also, the empirical research is carried out in public hospitals; however, there are some differences between the types of hospitals in terms of the factors that affect male HIV/AIDS patients’ revisits. We employed a cross-sectional study. As a result, we recommend expanding it into a longitudinal study, as it allows the researcher to validate the causal mechanism and obtain results that are more generalizable.Practical implicationsHealthcare managers should actively encourage positive patient reviews and recommendations. Setting up systems to record and distribute patient success stories can improve the hospital’s reputation and attract new patients. Increased word-of-mouth advertising can naturally result from encouraging positive encounters and outcomes. Healthcare administrators should establish channels for sharing information regarding therapies, procedures and support services that are transparent and easy to obtain. Patients’ intentions to return for follow-up appointments can be favourably influenced by education on the value of ongoing care.Social implicationsMale HIV/AIDS patients who are satisfied with their care have a tendency to trust medical professionals more, which promotes enhanced therapeutic outcomes and greater compliance with treatment regimens. Positive comments from those with the condition can also reduce stigma and motivate community members to seek treatment, fostering a supportive environment for those living with HIV/AIDS. The study emphasises how important it is for patients and healthcare providers to have stronger, greater empathy connections, which could contribute to decreasing health disparities.Originality/valueThe study investigates the effect of satisfaction on the revisit intention of male HIV/AIDS patients and also highlights how trust and WOM mediate this relationship.