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Uzim EE, Lee PH. Lost to follow up: the (non)psychosocial barriers to HIV/AIDS care in southeast Nigeria. AIDS Care 2023:1-10. [PMID: 37666212 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2253507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Medication withdrawal remains a problem in Nigeria's HIV care. The Enugu state of southeast Nigeria has 3,736 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV), with a 1.9% HIV-positive prevalence rate among the age band of 15-49 years, higher than 1.3%, the national average for the same cohort. Despite the disease burden, many cases are "lost to follow-up" in this region. Through four focus groups of patients (20 participants in total) and in-depth interviews with four clinicians from four public hospitals, this study aimed to understand the barriers to attending healthcare appointments faced by young adults. The participants were recruited through flyers, posters, and snowballs at clinics; both data sets were first analysed separately yet used to triangulate each other. We found that clinical interruptions are mainly attributable to factors such as stigma, suicidal ideation, loss of means of livelihood due to PLHIV's "new identities", and thus poverty and malnutrition. These barriers, complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic and armed conflicts in the region, have made medication adherence further challenging. Therefore, we recommend the Nigerian government integrate non-biomedical support for PLHIV into people-centred HIV care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Po-Han Lee
- Global Health Program, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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2
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Romijnders KAGJ, de Groot L, Vervoort SCJM, Basten M, van Welzen BJ, Kretzschmar ME, Reiss P, Davidovich U, van der Loeff MFS, Rozhnova G. The experienced positive and negative influence of HIV on quality of life of people with HIV and vulnerable to HIV in the Netherlands. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21887. [PMID: 36536038 PMCID: PMC9761623 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25113-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This qualitative study aimed to explore the experienced influence of HIV on the quality of life (QoL) of people with HIV (PHIV) and key populations without but are vulnerable to HIV in the Netherlands. We conducted and thematically analyzed interviews with 29 PHIV and 13 participants from key populations without HIV (i.e., men who have sex with men). PHIV and key populations shared positive meaningful experiences regarding HIV, i.e., feeling grateful for ART, life, and the availability of PrEP, being loved and supported in the light of HIV, and providing support to the community. Negative predominant experiences regarding HIV were described by both PHIV and key populations as the negative effects of ART, challenges with regards to disclosing HIV, social stigmatization, and self-stigma. It remains important to support HIV community organizations in their efforts to reduce social stigmatization and to continue improving biomedical interventions for HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim A. G. J. Romijnders
- grid.7692.a0000000090126352Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Laura de Groot
- grid.7692.a0000000090126352Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sigrid C. J. M. Vervoort
- grid.7692.a0000000090126352Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maartje Basten
- grid.7692.a0000000090126352Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Berend J. van Welzen
- grid.7692.a0000000090126352Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjam E. Kretzschmar
- grid.7692.a0000000090126352Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Reiss
- grid.509540.d0000 0004 6880 3010Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Global Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.450091.90000 0004 4655 0462Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.509540.d0000 0004 6880 3010Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Udi Davidovich
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Department of Social Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.413928.50000 0000 9418 9094Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten F. Schim van der Loeff
- grid.509540.d0000 0004 6880 3010Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Global Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.450091.90000 0004 4655 0462Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.413928.50000 0000 9418 9094Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ganna Rozhnova
- grid.7692.a0000000090126352Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands ,grid.9983.b0000 0001 2181 4263BioISI – Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal ,grid.5477.10000000120346234Center for Complex Systems Studies (CCSS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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The perceived impact of an HIV cure by people living with HIV and key populations vulnerable to HIV in the Netherlands: A qualitative study. J Virus Erad 2022; 8:100066. [PMID: 35280938 PMCID: PMC8907669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jve.2022.100066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction When an HIV cure becomes available, it will have consequences for people living with HIV (PLHIV) and key populations who are vulnerable to HIV. This qualitative study aimed to explore the perceived impact of two HIV cure scenarios (post-treatment control when HIV is suppressed without the need for ongoing antiretroviral treatment (ART) and complete HIV elimination) on the quality of life of PLHIV and key populations living without HIV in the Netherlands. Methods Participants were purposefully sampled from the Amsterdam Cohort Studies, the AGEhIV Cohort Study, the outpatient clinic of the University Medical Centre Utrecht and the Dutch HIV Association to increase variability. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted between October 2020 and March 2021 and thematically analysed. Results Of the 42 interviewed participants, 29 were PLHIV and 13 represented key populations (i.e., men who have sex with men and people injecting drugs). Both PLHIV and participants from vulnerable key populations hoped that a cure would result in normalization of their lives by removing the need to disclose HIV, reducing stigma and guilt, increasing independence of ART, and liberating sexual behaviour. Both groups believed only HIV elimination could accomplish this desired impact. Conclusions While the post-treatment control scenario seems a more plausible outcome of current HIV cure research, our findings highlight that participants may not perceive it as a true cure. Involvement of PLHIV and vulnerable key populations in devising acceptable and feasible experimental approaches to HIV cure is essential to ensure their future successful implementation.
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Chew CC, Lim XJ, Chang CT, Rajan P, Nasir N, Low WY. Experiences of social stigma among patients tested positive for COVID-19 and their family members: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1623. [PMID: 34488693 PMCID: PMC8419662 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11679-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Social stigma against persons infected with COVID-19 is not uncommon. This qualitative study aimed to explore the experience of social stigma among COVID-19 positive patients and their family members. Method This cross-sectional study was conducted between April to June 2020 in Malaysia. Patients who have recovered from COVID-19 for at least 1 month and their family members who were tested with negative results, Malaysian and aged 18–65 years old were purposively sampled. Cold call method was employed to recruit patients while their family members were recruited by their recommendations. Telephone interviews were conducted with the participants after obtaining their verbal consent. Results A total of 18 participants took part in this study. Three themes emerged from the interviews: (Ι) experience of stigmatization, (ΙΙ) perspective on disease disclosure, and (ΙΙΙ) suggestion on coping and reducing stigma. The participants expressed their experiences of being isolated, labelled, and blamed by the people surrounding them including the health care providers, neighbours, and staff at the service counters. Some respondents expressed their willingness to share their experience with others by emphasizing the importance of taking preventive measure in order to stop the chain of virus transmission and some of them chose to disclose this medical history for official purpose because of fear and lack of understanding among the public. As suggested by the respondents, the approaches in addressing social stigma require the involvement of the government, the public, health care provider, and religious leader. Conclusion Individuals recovered from COVID-19 and their families experienced social stigma. Fear and lack of public understanding of the COVID-19 disease were the key factors for non-disclosure. Some expressed their willingness to share their experience as they perceived it as method to increase public awareness and thereby reducing social stigma. Multifaceted approaches with the involvement of multiple parties including the government, non-governmental organization as well as the general public were recommended as important measures to address the issues of social stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chii-Chii Chew
- Clinical Research Centre, Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ipoh, Ministry of Health, Malaysia, Bainun, Level 4, Ambulatory Care Centre (ACC), Jalan Raja Ashman Shah, 30450, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Xin-Jie Lim
- Clinical Research Centre, Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ipoh, Ministry of Health, Malaysia, Bainun, Level 4, Ambulatory Care Centre (ACC), Jalan Raja Ashman Shah, 30450, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Tao Chang
- Clinical Research Centre, Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ipoh, Ministry of Health, Malaysia, Bainun, Level 4, Ambulatory Care Centre (ACC), Jalan Raja Ashman Shah, 30450, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.
| | - Philip Rajan
- Clinical Research Centre, Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ipoh, Ministry of Health, Malaysia, Bainun, Level 4, Ambulatory Care Centre (ACC), Jalan Raja Ashman Shah, 30450, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.,Otolaryngology Department, Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital, Ministry of Health, Ipoh, Malaysia
| | - Nordin Nasir
- Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ministry of Health, Ipoh, Malaysia
| | - Wah-Yun Low
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Sun W, Zhou Y, Chen WT, Huang F, Sun M, Shen L, Gao Y, Zhang Q, Ma S, Shiu C, Zhang L, Lu H. Disclosure experience among COVID-19-confirmed patients in China: A qualitative study. J Clin Nurs 2021; 30:783-792. [PMID: 33349988 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To understand COVID patients' experiences of and perspectives on disclosure of their illness and to explore and describe the factors affecting disclosure decisions among COVID patients in China. BACKGROUND Disease disclosure is a critical component of prevention and control of a virus outbreak, and this is especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding COVID patients' experiences and perspectives on disclosure could play a vital role in COVID management. DESIGN A qualitative study. METHODS A semi-structured interview guide was used to conduct qualitative in-depth interviews from April to June 2020. All the interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed, and then, a thematic analysis was conducted. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) were applied to this study. RESULTS A total of 26 COVID-confirmed patients were recruited for the in-depth interviews. Four themes emerged from the thematic analysis on disclosure: persons disclosed to, reasons for disclosure, reasons for nondisclosure and impact of disclosure. The participants disclosed their COVID diagnosis to different groups, including family, close friends, community members and workplace contacts. The main reasons for disclosure included the following: government policy, social responsibility, gaining support and fear of being blamed for nondisclosure. However, some participants decided not to disclose to some groups for fear of facing stigma and discrimination or to protect family members from discrimination. Despite the potential benefits of obtaining support after disclosure, many participants did experience stigma and discrimination, privacy exposure, psychological distress and social isolation. CONCLUSIONS An individual's decision as to whether to disclose their COVID-positive status is affected by many factors. To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the potential risks of disclosure, such as discrimination and privacy exposure, a balanced intervention should be designed to protect COVID patients and to secure any contact tracing. Therefore, the chances of discrimination could be decreased and patients' confidentiality could be protected. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE As the number of COVID patients increases, disclosure of an individual's infectious status is encouraged by health departments. Despite the potential benefits of disclosure, discrimination and privacy exposure should not be ignored. A disclosure protocol is necessary to ensure patients' privacy regarding their COVID status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiu Sun
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Ti Chen
- School of Nursing, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Feifei Huang
- School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Meiyan Sun
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Shen
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Siyue Ma
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengshi Shiu
- Department of Social Work, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lin Zhang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongzhou Lu
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Yin Y, Yang H, Xie X, Wang H, Nie A, Chen H. Status and associated characteristics of HIV disclosure among people living with HIV/AIDS in Liangshan, China: A cross-sectional study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e16681. [PMID: 31374050 PMCID: PMC6708807 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000016681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disclosure is a prerequisite to get access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and social support. Increased disclosure of HIV status has been shown to reduce mother-to-child transmission and high-risk sexual behaviors. Limited studies were conducted to get an insight into HIV disclosure among people living with HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA) in Liangshan.Our study aimed to investigate the status and associated characteristics of HIV disclosure among PLWHA in Liangshan.We conducted a cross-sectional study using a stratified, convenience sampling method from August to December in 2017. All of the participants were from Liangshan, a typical impoverished mountainous area which also has a long history of drug production and drug trade. Each participant completed a structured questionnaire including HIV disclosure status, demographic and HIV-related characteristics, social support, and perceived HIV-related stigma. We performed a binary regression analysis to detect associated characteristics of HIV disclosure among PLWHA in Liangshan.A final sample size of 318 participants was included in this study. The overall prevalence of HIV disclosure was 83.6% (266/318). In binary logistic regression analysis, PLWHA who had higher educational levels, and got infected by sexual transmission were less likely to disclose their HIV status (both P < .05). HIV nondisclosure was correlated with a higher level of perceived HIV-related stigma (P < .01).The prevalence of HIV disclosure was relatively low in Liangshan. Healthcare workers are suggested to conduct more counseling and education to promote safe sexual behaviors and reduce perceived stigma among PLWHA, then enhance HIV serostatus disclosure.
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Mogosetsi N, Mabuza L, Ogunbanjo G. The Prevalence of HIV Load Suppression and Related Factors Among Patients on ART at Phedisong 4 Clinic, Pretoria, South Africa. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.2174/1874944501811010135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Background:
Globally, the benefits of viral load suppression in improving the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS have been established. In 2010, the South African Government decentralised ART to the primary care level. This study intended to determine the effect of this decentralisation in achieving viral load suppression among patients.
Objective:
To determine the prevalence of HIV viral load suppression and factors related to the suppression among patients initiated on ART at Pedisong 4 clinic, Tshwane District in Pretoria.
Methods:
A prospective cohort study was conducted on 98 patients initiated on ART between 01 November 2012 and 30 April 2013. Based on the viral load results, they were divided into those who achieved Viral Load Suppression (VLS), and those who did not (NVLS). Analyses were done using SAS® (version 9.2) for Microsoft software. A p < 0.05 was considered significant.
Results:
Ninety patients (91.8%; 95%CI, 84.7% – 95.8%) achieved viral load suppression while eight (8.2%; 95%CI, 4.2% – 15.3%), did not. Of the 98 patients, 63 (64%) were female. In the NVLS group, the female to male ratio was 7:1 (p = 0.038). There was no relationship between viral load suppression and patients’ baseline characteristics, behavioural characteristics and clinical characteristics (p > 0.05). ART adherence reported in both patient groups was ≥ 87.0%.
Conclusion:
There was good viral load suppression in patients initiated on ART at Pedisong 4 clinic. Patients’ baseline, behavioural and clinical characteristics were not related to viral load suppression, necessitating further large sample size studies in various health facilities.
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Van der Woude DAA, Pijnenborg JMA, de Vries J. Health status and quality of life in postpartum women: a systematic review of associated factors. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2014; 185:45-52. [PMID: 25522118 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2014.11.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Since health care is becoming more and more patient centered, patient-reported outcomes such as quality of life (QOL) and health status (HS) are becoming increasingly important. The aim of this systematic review was to provide an overview of physical, psychological, and social domains of QOL and HS in postpartum women, and to assess which factors are associated with QOL and HS domains postpartum. A computerized literature search was performed using the PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane databases. Studies were selected if the three domains of QOL or HS were measured in a (sub)group of postpartum women, by using validated standardized questionnaires. The methodological quality of the 66 included studies was examined by two independent reviewers. All three domains of QOL were impaired in postpartum women with urinary incontinence, with even worse QOL in women with mixed urinary incontinence. Mental QOL was impaired in women with urge urinary incontinence after cesarean section. Social QOL was decreased in HIV-positive women. HS was impaired in all three domains in postpartum depressed women. Physical HS was impaired after cesarean section for at least two months postpartum. Additional supportive interventions from health care social support were not associated with improved HS. Urinary incontinence and being HIV-positive seemed to be associated with impaired QOL. Postpartum depression and a cesarean section seemed to be associated with impaired HS. Prospective longitudinal research is needed in order to draw valid conclusions regarding postpartum HS and QOL, and the predictive value of the associated factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy A A Van der Woude
- CoRPS, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Jolanda de Vries
- CoRPS, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands; Department of Medical Psychology, St. Elisabeth Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands
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