Tshililo AR, Mangena-Netshikweta L, Nemathaga LH, Maluleke M. Challenges of primary healthcare nurses regarding the integration of HIV and AIDS services into primary healthcare in Vhembe district of Limpopo province, South Africa.
Curationis 2019;
42:e1-e6. [PMID:
30843402 PMCID:
PMC6417489 DOI:
10.4102/curationis.v42i1.1849]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Integration of human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV and AIDS) services into primary healthcare (PHC) is a key public health approach to achieving universal access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Despite the government’s efforts of integrating HIV services into PHC, an insufficient number of PHC staff and inadequate infrastructure are challenging when integrating HIV and AIDS services into PHC. This study explored the challenges of PHC nurses regarding the integration of HIV and AIDS services into PHC.
Objectives
The aim of the study was to explore the challenges of PHC nurses regarding the integration of HIV and AIDS services into PHC.
Method
An exploratory, descriptive and contextual qualitative research design utilising face-to-face semi-structured interviews was conducted with 12 PHC nurses from selected clinics and health centres in the Vhembe district of Limpopo province.
Results
Two main themes emerged from data analysis which included challenges related to healthcare recipients and challenges related to healthcare providers.
Conclusion
Clear policies on the integration of HIV and AIDS services into PHC should be available and should include strategies to promote HIV testing and counselling, adherence to ART and scheduled appointments, disclosure of HIV status as well as revising the human resource policy to reduce workload.
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