Mukose AD, Bastiaens H, Buregyeya E, Naigino R, Makumbi F, Musinguzi J, Van Geertruyden JP, Wanyenze RK. Health Provider Perspectives of Health Facility Preparedness and Organization in Implementation of Option B+ among Pregnant and Lactating Women in Central Uganda: A Qualitative Study.
J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care 2020;
18:2325958219833930. [PMID:
30836827 PMCID:
PMC6748525 DOI:
10.1177/2325958219833930]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction:
Uganda adopted Option B+ for prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV
in 2012. However, there is limited data on preparedness and organization of Option B+
services. These data are critical in informing PMTCT programs and provision of universal
antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all populations. This study explored health providers’
experiences of preparedness and organization of Option B+ services in Central
Uganda.
Methods:
Key informant interviews with 54 health providers from 6 health facilities in 3
districts were conducted. Thematic approach was employed to analyze data.
Results:
Themes identified on preparedness were training of frontline health providers and
provision of Option B+ guidelines, supervision and mentorship, and provision of
essential medicines and medical health supplies, whereas those concerning organization
were HIV counseling and testing, ART initiation, follow-up, and patient support
mechanisms. Innovations like use of expert clients, assessing women’s readiness to start
Option B+, and retaining women in antenatal care clinic depending on the need are
important in provision of Option B+.
Conclusion:
This study provides insights into preparedness and organization of Option B+ services
which are important in provision of Option B+ and universal ART for all populations.
Research around models of follow-up is recommended.
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