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Jere J, Ruark A, Bidwell JT, Butterfield RM, Neilands TB, Weiser SD, Mulauzi N, Mkandawire J, Conroy AA. "High blood pressure comes from thinking too much": Understandings of illness among couples living with cardiometabolic disorders and HIV in Malawi. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0296473. [PMID: 38153924 PMCID: PMC10754453 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiometabolic disorders (CMD) such as hypertension and diabetes are increasingly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, placing people living with HIV at risk for cardiovascular disease and threatening the success of HIV care. Spouses are often the primary caregivers for people living with CMD, and understanding patients' and partners' conceptions of CMD could inform care. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 25 couples having a partner living with HIV and either hypertension or diabetes. Couples were recruited from HIV clinics in Malawi and were interviewed on beliefs around symptoms, causation, prevention, and treatment for CMD. Data were analyzed at the individual and dyadic levels using framework analysis and Kleinman's theory of explanatory models as a lens. On average, participants were 51 years old and married for 21 years. Approximately 57%, 14%, and 80% had hypertension, diabetes, and HIV. Couples endorsed a combination of biomedical explanatory models (beliefs around physical and mental health) and traditional explanatory models (beliefs around religion and natural remedies), although tended to emphasize the biomedical model. Half of couples believed stress was the main cause of hypertension. For diabetes, diet was believed to be a common cause. In terms of prevention, dietary changes and physical activity were most frequently mentioned. For disease management, medication adherence and diet modifications were emphasized, with some couples also supporting herbal remedies, stress reduction, and faith in God as strategies. Participants were generally more concerned about CMD than HIV due to poor access to CMD medications and beliefs that CMD could lead to sudden death. Within couples, partners often held many of the same beliefs but diverged around which etiological or preventive factors were most important (e.g., stress versus diet) and the best diet for CMD. Health education programs should involve primary partners to build knowledge of CMD and address overlap with HIV, and reinforce accurate information on lifestyle factors for the prevention and treatment of CMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Jere
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Allison Ruark
- Wheaton College, Biological and Health Sciences, Wheaton, IL, United States of America
| | - Julie T. Bidwell
- Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Rita M. Butterfield
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Torsten B. Neilands
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Sheri D. Weiser
- Division of HIV, Infectious Disease and Global Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | | | | | - Amy A. Conroy
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
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Ulvund I, Dadi GB, Gutteberg A. 'I am struggling to survive' - limited living conditions increase the burden of HIV: A qualitative study. Glob Public Health 2023; 18:2280049. [PMID: 37967520 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2023.2280049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to have life-limiting health consequences for many individuals and remains a significant threat to global public health. This qualitative study explores the experiences of people living with HIV in Sidama, Ethiopia. Interviews with 19 adults recruited from an HIV outpatient clinic were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. The analysis method used was systematic text condensation. The results reveal that an HIV diagnosis triggered strong emotions. Economic concerns, stigma, and discrimination also increased the burden of a diagnosis, which could lead to a loss of income or housing. Consequently, informants' ability to maintain a regular life and receive social and psychological support was reduced. Religious faith provided strength to informants, though they stated that some religious leaders do not support antiretroviral therapy. Understanding the everyday challenges of people living with HIV is crucial for health professionals and health programme developers working to promote health and enable people to follow their recommended course of treatment. Person-centred care is recommended. In particular, the poorest should receive attention. It is also crucial to reduce stigma and discriminatory attitudes towards people living with HIV and to motivate faith leaders to prevent HIV stigma and support antiretroviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingeborg Ulvund
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Care, Molde University College, Specialized University in Logistics, Molde, Norway
| | - Gezahegn Bekele Dadi
- School of Nursing, Hawassa University-College of Medicine & Health Science, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Anne Gutteberg
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Care, Molde University College, Specialized University in Logistics, Molde, Norway
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