Healthcare needs of people living with human immunodeficiency virus: A qualitative descriptive study

Health Care Needs Among People Living with HIV: The Implication of Continuum of Care

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus remains a major public health problem in Indonesia. People living with HIV (PLWH) have various health problems as result from disease progression that impacts their health care needs. This study aims to explore health care needs and to test the factors associated with health care needs among people living with HIV.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive study design was undertaken with 243 respondents completing a self-reported HIV-Health Care Need Questionnaire. Participants were recruited using the purposive sampling technique from six HIV clinics in West Java, Indonesia. The data were analyzed using descriptive and multiple logistic regression statistical techniques.

Results

The majority of the subjects were diagnosed within less than 5 years and have been receiving antiretroviral therapy. Nursing care was indicated as the most needed, offered, and received care. Emergency financial assistance, legal services, insurance premiums, and nutritional intervention were perceived as gaps between needed and received. Characteristics such as age, educational background, having HIV manager, and income were significantly correlated to nutritional care (p< 0.05). Nutritional care was increased by 3.96% if PLWH having HIV manager (CI: 1.17-13.38, p< 0.05).

Conclusion

Addressing the gap between health care needs and health offered was important to ensure that care was received appropriately. Continuing assessment of health care needs can provide direction to deliver appropriate care and ensure a comprehensive continuum of care for PLWH.

Healthcare needs of people living with human immunodeficiency virus: A qualitative descriptive study

AIM

A better understanding about the health care and support needs is beneficial to maintain the linkage between People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLWH) and healthcare services. This study aims to explore the healthcare needs of PLWH from their perspectives.

DESIGN

A qualitative descriptive study design was undertaken in July 2017 to June 2018.

METHODS

Fourteen participants were recruited by purposive sampling technique. Face-to-face in-depth interview and focus-group discussion (FGD) were conducted and analysed using content analysis.

RESULTS

Data revealed five themes, namely the needs to be free from stigma and discrimination, strengthen life spirit, have safe sexual practices, social support, and have accessible and affordable healthcare services.

CONCLUSION

People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus have their own perspectives on their healthcare needs. Therefore, nurses and other healthcare providers need to explore, understand, and respond to the needs, and incorporate them into comprehensive and holistic care.