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Cameron DB, Morrell LC, Kagoya F, Kiggundu JB, Hutchinson B, Twine R, Schwartz JI, Muddu M, Mutungi G, Kayima J, Katahoire AR, Longenecker CT, Nugent R, Loya DC, Semitala FC. Current out of pocket care costs among HIV and hypertension co-morbid patients in urban and peri-urban Uganda. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003423. [PMID: 39321165 PMCID: PMC11423963 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite improvements to the cascade of HIV care in East Africa, access to care for non-communicable disease co-morbidities like hypertension (HTN) remains a persistent problem. The integration of care for these conditions presents an opportunity to achieve efficiencies in delivery as well as decrease overall costs for patients. This study aims to build evidence on the burden of current out-of-pocket costs of care among HIV-HTN co-morbid patients. METHODS We administered a pre-tested, cross-sectional, out-of-pocket cost survey to 94 co-morbid patients receiving HIV care from 10 clinics in the Wakiso and Kampala districts of Uganda from June to November 2021. The survey assessed socio-demographic characteristics, direct medical costs (e.g., medications, consultations), indirect costs (e.g., transport, food, caregiving), and economic costs (i.e., foregone income) associated with seeking HIV and HTN care, as well as possible predictors of monthly care costs. Patients were sampled both during a government-imposed nation-wide full COVID-19 lockdown (n = 30) and after it was partially lifted (n = 64). RESULTS Median HIV care costs constitute between 2.7 and 4.0% of median monthly household income, while HTN care costs are between 7.1 to 7.9%. For just under half of our sample, the median monthly cost of HTN care is more than 10% of household income, and more than a quarter of patients report borrowing money or selling assets to cover costs. We observe uniformly lower reported costs of care for both conditions under full COVID-19 lockdown, suggesting that access to care was limited. The main predictors of monthly HIV and HTN care costs varied by disease and costing perspective. CONCLUSIONS Patient out of pocket costs of care for HIV and HTN were substantial, but significantly lower during the 2021 full COVID-19 lockdown in Uganda. New strategies such as service integration need to be explored to reduce these costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew B Cameron
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Lillian C Morrell
- Center for Global Noncommunicable Diseases, RTI International, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Faith Kagoya
- Infectious Disease Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Brian Hutchinson
- Center for Global Noncommunicable Diseases, RTI International, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Robert Twine
- Infectious Disease Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jeremy I Schwartz
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Uganda Initiative for Integrated Management of Non-Communicable Diseases, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Martin Muddu
- Makerere University Joint AIDS Program, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - James Kayima
- Uganda Heart Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Internal Medicine, Makerere University Kampala, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Anne R Katahoire
- Child Health and Development Centre, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Chris T Longenecker
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Rachel Nugent
- Center for Global Noncommunicable Diseases, RTI International, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | | | - Fred C Semitala
- Infectious Disease Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
- Makerere University Joint AIDS Program, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Internal Medicine, Makerere University Kampala, Kampala, Uganda
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Kasango A, Daama A, Negesa L. Challenges in managing HIV and non-communicable diseases and health workers' perception regarding integrated management of non-communicable diseases during routine HIV care in South Central Uganda: A qualitative study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302290. [PMID: 39163354 PMCID: PMC11335126 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-communicable diseases are highly prevalent among adults living with HIV, emphasizing the need for comprehensive healthcare strategies. However, a dearth of knowledge exists regarding the health systems challenges in managing HIV and non-communicable diseases and the perception of health workers regarding the integrated management of non-communicable diseases during routine HIV care in rural Ugandan settings. This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by exploring the health system challenges in managing HIV and non-communicable diseases and health workers' perception regarding the integration of non-communicable diseases in routine HIV care in South Central Uganda. METHODS In this qualitative study, we collected data from 20 purposively selected key informants from Kalisizo Hospital and Rakai Hospital in South Central Uganda. Data were collected from 15th December 2020 and 14th January 2021. Data were analyzed using a thematic content approach with the help of NVivo 11. RESULTS Of the 20 health workers, 13 were females. In terms of work duration, 9 had worked with people living with HIV for 11-15 years and 9 were nurses. The challenges in managing HIV and non-communicable diseases included difficulty managing adverse events, heavy workload, inadequate communication from specialists to lower cadre health workers, limited financial and human resources, unsupportive clinical guidelines that do not incorporate non-communicable disease management in HIV care and treatment, and inadequate knowledge and skills required to manage non-communicable diseases appropriately. Health workers suggested integrating non-communicable disease management into routine HIV care and suggested the need for training before this integration. CONCLUSION The integration of non-communicable disease management into routine HIV care presents a promising avenue for easing the burden on health workers handling these conditions. However, achieving successful integration requires not only the training of health workers but also ensuring the availability of sufficient human and financial resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asani Kasango
- Department of Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Kyotera, Uganda
| | - Alex Daama
- Department of Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Kyotera, Uganda
- Department of Science and Grants, African Medical and Behavioral Sciences Organization, Nansana, Wakiso, Uganda
| | - Lilian Negesa
- Department of Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Kyotera, Uganda
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Gooden TE, Mkhoi ML, Mwalukunga LJ, Mdoe M, Senkoro E, Kibusi SM, Thomas GN, Nirantharakumar K, Manaseki-Holland S, Greenfield S. Exploring the preferred integration approach for HIV, diabetes and hypertension care and associated barriers and facilitators in Central Tanzania: An exploratory qualitative study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003510. [PMID: 39046965 PMCID: PMC11268702 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Timely diagnosis and management of diabetes and hypertension among people living with HIV (PLWH) is imperative; however, many barriers exist within the current model of care for these comorbidities. We aimed to understand how HIV, diabetes, and hypertension care should be delivered and the associated barriers and facilitators for the preferred delivery approach. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 PLWH with comorbidities of diabetes and/or hypertension (referred to hereafter as non-communicable diseases [NCDs]), 10 healthcare professionals (HCPs) that provide care for NCDs, and 10 HCPs that provide care for HIV. Participants were recruited from two healthcare facilities in Dodoma, Tanzania and interviewed in Swahili. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated into English. We used the differentiated service delivery building blocks as a framework to determine where, who, what and when care should be provided. We applied the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to HCP transcripts to determine barriers and facilitators for the preferred integration approach. There was a consensus among participants that all care for NCDs should be provided for PLWH at HIV clinics (known as care and treatment centres [CTCs]) by either CTC doctors or NCD specialists. Participants preferred flexible follow-up care for NCDs and for it to be aligned with HIV follow-up appointments. The main barriers were mapped to the TDF domains of environmental context and resources, and social influences; the former included the lack of NCD medications, NCD diagnostic equipment, space, staff and guidelines whereas the latter included negative influences from peers and traditional healers. Several facilitators were mentioned regarding CTC HCPs' knowledge, skills, optimism and beliefs regarding their capabilities to care for PLWH with NCDs. The preferred integration approach should be tested, utilising the enabling factors described. The barriers described must be addressed with or without integration to achieve optimal care for PLWH with NCDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany E. Gooden
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Mkhoi L. Mkhoi
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | | | - Mwajuma Mdoe
- Department of Public Health, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | | | | | - G. Neil Thomas
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Sheila Greenfield
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Van Hout MC, Akugizibwe M, Shayo EH, Namulundu M, Kasujja FX, Namakoola I, Birungi J, Okebe J, Murdoch J, Mfinanga SG, Jaffar S. Decentralising chronic disease management in sub-Saharan Africa: a protocol for the qualitative process evaluation of community-based integrated management of HIV, diabetes and hypertension in Tanzania and Uganda. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e078044. [PMID: 38508649 PMCID: PMC10961519 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-078044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sub-Saharan Africa continues to experience a syndemic of HIV and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Vertical (stand-alone) HIV programming has provided high-quality care in the region, with almost 80% of people living with HIV in regular care and 90% virally suppressed. While integrated health education and concurrent management of HIV, hypertension and diabetes are being scaled up in clinics, innovative, more efficient and cost-effective interventions that include decentralisation into the community are required to respond to the increased burden of comorbid HIV/NCD disease. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This protocol describes procedures for a process evaluation running concurrently with a pragmatic cluster-randomised trial (INTE-COMM) in Tanzania and Uganda that will compare community-based integrated care (HIV, diabetes and hypertension) with standard facility-based integrated care. The INTE-COMM intervention will manage multiple conditions (HIV, hypertension and diabetes) in the community via health monitoring and adherence/lifestyle advice (medicine, diet and exercise) provided by community nurses and trained lay workers, as well as the devolvement of NCD drug dispensing to the community level. Based on Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, the process evaluation will use qualitative methods to investigate sociostructural factors shaping care delivery and outcomes in up to 10 standard care facilities and/or intervention community sites with linked healthcare facilities. Multistakeholder interviews (patients, community health workers and volunteers, healthcare providers, policymakers, clinical researchers and international and non-governmental organisations), focus group discussions (community leaders and members) and non-participant observations (community meetings and drug dispensing) will explore implementation from diverse perspectives at three timepoints in the trial implementation. Iterative sampling and analysis, moving between data collection points and data analysis to test emerging theories, will continue until saturation is reached. This process of analytic reflexivity and triangulation across methods and sources will provide findings to explain the main trial findings and offer clear directions for future efforts to sustain and scale up community-integrated care for HIV, diabetes and hypertension. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The protocol has been approved by the University College of London (UK), the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Ethics Committee (UK), the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology and the Uganda Virus Research Institute Research and Ethics Committee (Uganda) and the Medical Research Coordinating Committee of the National Institute for Medical Research (Tanzania). The University College of London is the trial sponsor. Dissemination of findings will be done through journal publications and stakeholder meetings (with study participants, healthcare providers, policymakers and other stakeholders), local and international conferences, policy briefs, peer-reviewed journal articles and publications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN15319595.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elizabeth Henry Shayo
- Health Systems, Policy and Translational Reseach Section, National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic
| | - Moreen Namulundu
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Wakiso, Uganda
| | | | - Ivan Namakoola
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Wakiso, Uganda
| | | | - Joseph Okebe
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jamie Murdoch
- School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King's College London, London, London, UK
| | - Sayoki Godfrey Mfinanga
- Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
| | - Shabbar Jaffar
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
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Badacho AS, Mahomed OH. Lived experiences of people living with HIV and hypertension or diabetes access to care in Ethiopia: a phenomenological study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e078036. [PMID: 38417958 PMCID: PMC10900422 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-078036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People living with HIV (PLWH) are more likely to develop hypertension and diabetes than people without HIV. Previous studies have shown that HIV stigma, discrimination and exclusion make it difficult for PLWH to access care for hypertension and diabetes. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of PLWH with comorbid hypertension or diabetes to access hypertension and diabetes care in southern Ethiopia. DESIGN We conducted a qualitative study using a semistructured interview guide for an in-depth, in-person interview. SETTINGS From 5 August to 25 September 2022, PLWH with comorbid hypertension or diabetes were purposefully selected from five primary healthcare (PHC) facilities in the Wolaita zone of southern Ethiopia. PARTICIPANTS A total of 14 PLWH with comorbid hypertension or diabetes who were receiving antiretroviral therapy from PHC were interviewed. Among them, 10 were women, and 4 were men. METHODS In-person, in-depth interviews were conducted. Qualitative data analysis software (NVivo V.12) was used to assist with the data organisation, and Colaizzi's (1978) inductive thematic analyses were conducted to explore key concepts. RESULT This study yielded two main themes: Theme 1: barriers to accessing care as individual barriers to access (low awareness of non-communicable diseases, misperceptions, lack of health insurance and cost of treatment); healthcare system barriers (shortage of supplies, drugs and equipment; long wait times; lack of integrated services; absence of routine screening and lack of respect from providers); community barriers (lack of support from families, friends and the community) and stigma and discrimination access to hypertension and diabetes. Theme 2: accessibility facilitators (support from family, friends and organisations; health insurance coverage). CONCLUSION PLWH recommended that access to services can be improved by service integration, awareness-raising activities, no user fee charges for hypertension and diabetes care and routine screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abebe Sorsa Badacho
- Department of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- School of Public Health, College of Health Science and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ozayr Haroon Mahomed
- Department of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
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Tusubira AK, Ssinabulya I, Kalyesubula R, Nalwadda CK, Akiteng AR, Ngaruiya C, Rabin TL, Katahoire A, Armstrong-Hough M, Hsieh E, Hawley NL, Schwartz JI. Self-care and healthcare seeking practices among patients with hypertension and diabetes in rural Uganda. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001777. [PMID: 38079386 PMCID: PMC10712841 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Implementing effective self-care practices for non-communicable diseases (NCD) prevents complications and morbidity. However, scanty evidence exists among patients in rural sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We sought to describe and compare existing self-care practices among patients with hypertension (HTN) and diabetes (DM) in rural Uganda. METHODS Between April and August 2019, we executed a cross-sectional investigation involving 385 adult patients diagnosed with HTN and/or DM. These participants were systematically randomly selected from three outpatient NCD clinics in the Nakaseke district. Data collection was facilitated using a structured survey that inquired about participants' healthcare-seeking patterns, access to self-care services, education on self-care, medication compliance, and overall health-related quality of life. We utilized Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses to discern disparities in self-care practices, education, and healthcare-seeking actions based on the patient's conditions. RESULTS Of the 385 participants, 39.2% had only DM, 36.9% had only HTN, and 23.9% had both conditions (HTN/DM). Participants with DM or both conditions reported more clinic visits in the past year than those with only HTN (P = 0.005). Similarly, most DM-only and HTN/DM participants monitored their weight monthly, unlike those with only HTN (P<0.0001). Participants with DM or HTN/DM were more frequently educated about their health condition(s), dietary habits, and weight management than those with only HTN. Specifically, education about their conditions yielded adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of 5.57 for DM-only and 4.12 for HTN/DM. Similarly, for diet, aORs were 2.77 (DM-only) and 4.21 (HTN/DM), and for weight management, aORs were 3.62 (DM-only) and 4.02 (HTN/DM). Medication adherence was notably higher in DM-only participants (aOR = 2.19). Challenges in self-care were significantly more reported by women (aOR = 2.07) and those above 65 years (aOR = 5.91), regardless of their specific condition(s). CONCLUSION Compared to rural Ugandans with HTN-only, participants with DM had greater utilization of healthcare services, exposure to self-care education, and adherence to medicine and self-monitoring behaviors. These findings should inform ongoing efforts to improve and integrate NCD service delivery in rural SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew K. Tusubira
- Uganda Initiative for Integrated Management of Non-Communicable Diseases, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Isaac Ssinabulya
- Uganda Initiative for Integrated Management of Non-Communicable Diseases, Kampala, Uganda
- Uganda Heart Institute, Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert Kalyesubula
- Departments of Physiology and Internal Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- African Community Center for Social Sustainability (ACCESS), Nakaseke, Uganda
| | - Christine K. Nalwadda
- Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ann R. Akiteng
- Uganda Initiative for Integrated Management of Non-Communicable Diseases, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Christine Ngaruiya
- Yale Network for Global Non-Communicable Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, United States of America
| | - Tracy L. Rabin
- Uganda Initiative for Integrated Management of Non-Communicable Diseases, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Child Health and Development Centre, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Anne Katahoire
- Child Health and Development Centre, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mari Armstrong-Hough
- Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, United States of America
| | - Evelyn Hsieh
- Yale Network for Global Non-Communicable Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Nicola L. Hawley
- Yale Network for Global Non-Communicable Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Jeremy I. Schwartz
- Uganda Initiative for Integrated Management of Non-Communicable Diseases, Kampala, Uganda
- Yale Network for Global Non-Communicable Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
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Badacho AS, Mahomed OH. Facilitators and barriers to integration of noncommunicable diseases with HIV care at primary health care in Ethiopia: a qualitative analysis using CFIR. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1247121. [PMID: 38145060 PMCID: PMC10748758 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1247121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The rise in non-communicable diseases (NCD), such as hypertension and diabetes among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH), has increased the demand for integrated care due to multiple chronic care needs. However, there is a dearth of evidence on contextual factors implementing integrated hypertension and diabetes care with HIV care. This study aimed to identify facilitators and barriers that could affect the integration of hypertension and diabetes with HIV care at primary health care in Ethiopia. Methods Five primary health facilities from five districts of the Wolaita zone of South Ethiopia were included in the qualitative study. Fifteen key informant interviews were conducted with healthcare providers and managers from the zonal, district, and facility levels from October to November 2022. Data collection and analysis were guided by a consolidated framework of implementation research (CFIR). Results Ten CFIR constructs were found to influence the integration. Perceived benefit of integration to patients, healthcare providers, and organization; perceived possibilities of integration implementation; availability of NCD guidelines and strategies; a supportive policy of decentralization and integration; perceived leaders and healthcare provider commitment were found to be facilitators. Perceived increased cost, insufficient attention to NCD care needs, inadequate number of trained professionals, inadequate equipment and apparatus such as blood pressure measurement, glucometers, strips, and NCD drugs, inadequate allocation of budget and weak health financing system and poor culture of data capturing and reporting were identified as barriers to integration. Conclusion It is important to address contextual barriers through innovative implementation science solutions to address multiple chronic care needs of PLWH by implementing integrated hypertension and diabetes with HIV care in primary healthcare. Training and task shifting, pairing experienced professionals, and strengthening the health care financing system to implement evidence-based integration of hypertension and diabetes are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abebe Sorsa Badacho
- School Public Health, Wolaita Sodo University, Sodo, Ethiopia
- School of Nursing and Public Health, Public Health Medicine Discipline, Durban, South Africa
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ozayr Haroon Mahomed
- School of Nursing and Public Health, Public Health Medicine Discipline, Durban, South Africa
- Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
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Shayo EH, Murdoch J, Kiwale Z, Bachmann M, Bakari M, Mbata D, Masauni S, Kivuyo S, Mfinanga S, Jaffar S, Van Hout MC. Management of chronic conditions in resource limited settings: multi stakeholders' perception and experiences with receiving and providing integrated HIV, diabetes and hypertension services in Tanzania. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1120. [PMID: 37858150 PMCID: PMC10585858 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10123-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) alongside the continuing high burden of HIV poses a serious challenge to middle- and low-income countries' healthcare systems. Pilot studies of integrated models of service delivery for HIV, hypertension and diabetes have demonstrated that they are feasible and acceptable among patients and care providers. This study assessed multi-stakeholders' perspectives of the delivery and receipt of integrated care in Tanzania. METHODS A qualitative process evaluation was conducted in Dar es Salaam region of Tanzania where the integrated service delivery model was implemented from July to November 2021. In-depth interviews were held with seven key informants at the national, regional and district levels, eight healthcare providers, two researchers working at the integrated clinic and forty patients benefiting from integrated services at a large hospital. Three focus group discussions were held with community leaders and residents of the hospital's catchment area, and clinic level observations were conducted. Thematic analysis was conducted followed by the use of Bronfenbrenner's ecological model to identify factors pertinent to sustaining and scaling up of the integrated model. RESULTS Participants of the study at all levels were aware of the increased prevalence of NCDs specifically for hypertension and diabetes and were concerned about the trend of increasing co-morbid conditions among people living with HIV (PLHIV). The integrated service delivery model was positively perceived by stakeholders because of its multiple benefits for both patients and the healthcare system. These include stigma and discrimination reduction, improved quality of care, efficient use of limited resources, cost and time saving, reduced duplication of services and fostering of early detection for undiagnosed conditions. The organisation of the clinic was critical in increased satisfaction. Several challenges were observed, which included costs for NCD services relative to free care for HIV and inconsistent availability of NCD medications. CONCLUSION Stakeholders reported numerous benefits of the integrated service delivery model that are fundamental in improving the health of many Tanzanians living with NCDs and HIV. These benefits highlight the need for policy and decision-makers to sustain and expand the integrated service delivery model as a solution to many challenges facing the health system especially at the primary care level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zenais Kiwale
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Mtumwa Bakari
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Doris Mbata
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Salma Masauni
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Sokoine Kivuyo
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Sayoki Mfinanga
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania
- Kings College London, London, England, UK
- Department of Statistics and Epidemiology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania
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Goldstein D, Ford N, Kisyeri N, Munsamy M, Nishimoto L, Osi K, Kambale H, Minior T, Bateganya M. Person-centred, integrated non-communicable disease and HIV decentralized drug distribution in Eswatini and South Africa: outcomes and challenges. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26 Suppl 1:e26113. [PMID: 37408477 PMCID: PMC10323318 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are highly prevalent in people living with HIV above 50 years of age and account for increasing mortality. There is little published evidence supporting person-centred, integrated models of HIV care, hypertension and diabetes treatment in southern Africa, and no data demonstrating mortality reduction. Where clinical visits for NCDs and HIV cannot be combined, integrated medication delivery presents an opportunity to streamline care and reduce patient costs. We present experiences of integrated HIV and NCD medication delivery in Eswatini and South Africa, focusing on programme successes and implementation challenges. Programmatic data from Eswatini's Community Health Commodities Distribution (CHCD) from April 2020 to December 2021 and South Africa's Central Chronic Medicines Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) from January 2016 to December 2021 were provided by programme managers and are summarized here. DISCUSSION Launched in 2020, Eswatini's CHCD provides over 28,000 people with and without HIV with integrated services, including HIV testing, CD4 cell count testing, antiretroviral therapy refills, viral load monitoring and pre-exposure prophylaxis alongside NCD services, including blood pressure and glucose monitoring and hypertension and diabetes medication refills. Communities designate neighbourhood care points and central gathering places for person-centred medication dispensing. This programme reported fewer missed medication refill appointments among clients in community settings compared to facility-based settings. South Africa's CCMDD utilizes decentralized drug distribution to provide medications for over 2.9 million people, including those living with HIV, hypertension and diabetes. CCMDD incorporates community-based pickup points, facility "fast lanes" and adherence clubs with public sector health facilities and private sector medication collection units. There are no out-of-pocket payments for medications or testing commodities. Wait-times for medication refills are lower at CCMDD sites than facility-based sites. Innovations to reduce stigma include uniformly labelled medication packages for NCD and HIV medications. CONCLUSIONS Eswatini and South Africa demonstrate person-centred models for HIV and NCD integration through decentralized drug distribution. This approach adapts medication delivery to serve individual needs and decongest centralized health facilities while efficiently delivering NCD care. To bolster programme uptake, additional reporting of integrated decentralized drug distribution models should include HIV and NCD outcomes and mortality trends.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nathan Ford
- Global HIVHepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections ProgrammesWorld Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Nicholas Kisyeri
- Eswatini National AIDS ProgramMbabaneEswatini
- ICAPColumbia UniversityMbabaneEswatini
| | | | | | | | - Herve Kambale
- ICAPColumbia University Mailman School of Public HealthNew YorkNew YorkUSA
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Van Hout MC, Zalwango F, Akugizibwe M, Chaka MN, Birungi J, Okebe J, Jaffar S, Bachmann M, Murdoch J. Implementing integrated care clinics for HIV-infection, diabetes and hypertension in Uganda (INTE-AFRICA): process evaluation of a cluster randomised controlled trial. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:570. [PMID: 37268916 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09534-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing a dual burden of chronic human immunodeficiency virus and non-communicable diseases. A pragmatic parallel arm cluster randomised trial (INTE-AFRICA) scaled up 'one-stop' integrated care clinics for HIV-infection, diabetes and hypertension at selected facilities in Uganda. These clinics operated integrated health education and concurrent management of HIV, hypertension and diabetes. A process evaluation (PE) aimed to explore the experiences, attitudes and practices of a wide variety of stakeholders during implementation and to develop an understanding of the impact of broader structural and contextual factors on the process of service integration. METHODS The PE was conducted in one integrated care clinic, and consisted of 48 in-depth interviews with stakeholders (patients, healthcare providers, policy-makers, international organisation, and clinical researchers); three focus group discussions with community leaders and members (n = 15); and 8 h of clinic-based observation. An inductive analytical approach collected and analysed the data using the Empirical Phenomenological Psychological five-step method. Bronfenbrenner's ecological framework was subsequently used to conceptualise integrated care across multiple contextual levels (macro, meso, micro). RESULTS Four main themes emerged; Implementing the integrated care model within healthcare facilities enhances detection of NCDs and comprehensive co-morbid care; Challenges of NCD drug supply chains; HIV stigma reduction over time, and Health education talks as a mechanism for change. Positive aspects of integrated care centred on the avoidance of duplication of care processes; increased capacity for screening, diagnosis and treatment of previously undiagnosed comorbid conditions; and broadening of skills of health workers to manage multiple conditions. Patients were motivated to continue receiving integrated care, despite frequent NCD drug stock-outs; and development of peer initiatives to purchase NCD drugs. Initial concerns about potential disruption of HIV care were overcome, leading to staff motivation to continue delivering integrated care. CONCLUSIONS Implementing integrated care has the potential to sustainably reduce duplication of services, improve retention in care and treatment adherence for co/multi-morbid patients, encourage knowledge-sharing between patients and providers, and reduce HIV stigma. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN43896688.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Flavia Zalwango
- MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Research Unit, MRC/UVRI & LSHTM, Entebbe, Uganda
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Beichler H, Grabovac I, Dorner TE. Integrated Care as a Model for Interprofessional Disease Management and the Benefits for People Living with HIV/AIDS. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3374. [PMID: 36834069 PMCID: PMC9965658 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Today, antiretroviral therapy (ART) is effectively used as a lifelong therapy to treat people living with HIV (PLWH) to suppress viral replication. Moreover, PLWH need an adequate care strategy in an interprofessional, networked setting of health care professionals from different disciplines. HIV/AIDS poses challenges to both patients and health care professionals within the framework of care due to frequent visits to physicians, avoidable hospitalizations, comorbidities, complications, and the resulting polypharmacy. The concepts of integrated care (IC) represent sustainable approaches to solving the complex care situation of PLWH. AIMS This study aimed to describe the national and international models of integrated care and their benefits regarding PLWH as complex, chronically ill patients in the health care system. METHODS We conducted a narrative review of the current national and international innovative models and approaches to integrated care for people with HIV/AIDS. The literature search covered the period between March and November 2022 and was conducted in the databases Cinahl, Cochrane, and Pubmed. Quantitative and qualitative studies, meta-analyses, and reviews were included. RESULTS The main findings are the benefits of integrated care (IC) as an interconnected, guideline- and pathway-based multiprofessional, multidisciplinary, patient-centered treatment for PLWH with complex chronic HIV/AIDS. This includes the evidence-based continuity of care with decreased hospitalization, reductions in costly and burdensome duplicate testing, and the saving of overall health care costs. Furthermore, it includes motivation for adherence, the prevention of HIV transmission through unrestricted access to ART, the reduction and timely treatment of comorbidities, the reduction of multimorbidity and polypharmacy, palliative care, and the treatment of chronic pain. IC is initiated, implemented, and financed by health policy in the form of integrated health care, managed care, case and care management, primary care, and general practitioner-centered concepts for the care of PLWH. Integrated care was originally founded in the United States of America. The complexity of HIV/AIDS intensifies as the disease progresses. CONCLUSIONS Integrated care focuses on the holistic view of PLWH, considering medical, nursing, psychosocial, and psychiatric needs, as well as the various interactions among them. A comprehensive expansion of integrated care in primary health care settings will not only relieve the burden on hospitals but also significantly improve the patient situation and the outcome of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helmut Beichler
- Nursing School, Vienna General Hospital, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Igor Grabovac
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Centre for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas E. Dorner
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Centre for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Academy for Ageing Research, Haus der Barmherzigkeit, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Akugizibwe M, Zalwango F, Namulundu CM, Namakoola I, Birungi J, Okebe J, Bachmann M, Jamie M, Jaffar S, Van Hout MC. "After all, we are all sick": multi-stakeholder understanding of stigma associated with integrated management of HIV, diabetes and hypertension at selected government clinics in Uganda. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:20. [PMID: 36624438 PMCID: PMC9827009 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08959-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Integrated care is increasingly used to manage chronic conditions. In Uganda, the integration of HIV, diabetes and hypertension care has been piloted, to leverage the advantages of well facilitated and established HIV health care provision structures. This qualitative study aimed to explore HIV stigma dynamics whilst investigating multi-stakeholder perceptions and experiences of providing and receiving integrated management of HIV, diabetes and hypertension at selected government clinics in Central Uganda. METHODS: We adopted a qualitative-observational design. Participants were purposively selected. In-depth interviews were conducted with patients and with health care providers, clinical researchers, policy makers, and representatives from international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Focus group discussions were conducted with community members and leaders. Clinical procedures in the integrated care clinic were observed. Data were managed using Nvivo 12 and analyzed thematically. RESULTS Triangulated findings revealed diverse multi-stakeholder perceptions around HIV related stigma. Integrated care reduced the frequency with which patients with combinations of HIV, diabetes, hypertension visited health facilities, reduced the associated treatment costs, increased interpersonal relationships among patients and healthcare providers, and increased the capacity of health care providers to manage multiple chronic conditions. Integration reduced stigma through creating opportunities for health education, which allayed patient fears and increased their resolve to enroll for and adhere to treatment. Patients also had an opportunity to offer and receive psycho-social support and coupled with the support they received from healthcare worker. This strengthened patient-patient and provider-patient relationships, which are building blocks of service integration and of HIV stigma reduction. Although the model significantly reduced stigma, it did not eradicate service level challenges and societal discrimination among HIV patients. CONCLUSION The study reveals that, in a low resource setting like Uganda, integration of HIV, diabetes and hypertension care can improve patient experiences of care for multiple chronic conditions, and that integrated clinics may reduce HIV related stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ivan Namakoola
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Joseph Okebe
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK, England
| | | | | | - Shabbar Jaffar
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK, England
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Van Hout MCA, Zalwango F, Akugizibwe M, Namulundu Chaka M, Bigland C, Birungi J, Jaffar S, Bachmann M, Murdoch J. Women living with HIV, diabetes and/or hypertension multi-morbidity in Uganda: a qualitative exploration of experiences accessing an integrated care service. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATED CARE 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/jica-06-2022-0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
PurposeWomen experience a triple burden of ill-health spanning non-communicable diseases (NCDs), reproductive and maternal health conditions and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in sub-Saharan Africa. Whilst there is research on integrated service experiences of women living with HIV (WLHIV) and cancer, little is known regarding those of WLHIV, diabetes and/or hypertension when accessing integrated care. Our research responds to this gap.Design/methodology/approachThe INTE-AFRICA project conducted a pragmatic parallel arm cluster randomised trial to scale up and evaluate “one-stop” integrated care clinics for HIV-infection, diabetes and hypertension at selected primary care centres in Uganda. A qualitative process evaluation explored and documented patient experiences of integrated care for HIV, diabetes and/or hypertension. In-depth interviews were conducted using a phenomenological approach with six WLHIV with diabetes and/or hypertension accessing a “one stop” clinic. Thematic analysis of narratives revealed five themes: lay health knowledge and alternative medicine, community stigma, experiences of integrated care, navigating personal challenges and health service constraints.FindingsWLHIV described patient pathways navigating HIV and diabetes/hypertension, with caregiving responsibilities, poverty, travel time and cost and personal ill health impacting on their ability to adhere to multi-morbid integrated treatment. Health service barriers to optimal integrated care included unreliable drug supply for diabetes/hypertension and HIV linked stigma. Comprehensive integrated care is recommended to further consider gender sensitive aspects of care.Originality/valueThis study whilst small scale, provides a unique insight into the lived experience of WLHIV navigating care for HIV and diabetes and/or hypertension, and how a “one stop” integrated care clinic can support them (and their children) in their treatment journeys.
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Gumede D, Meyer-Weitz A, Edwards A, Seeley J. Understanding older peoples' chronic disease self-management practices and challenges in the context of grandchildren caregiving: A qualitative study in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000895. [PMID: 36962615 PMCID: PMC10021571 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
While chronic diseases are amongst the major health burdens of older South Africans, the responsibilities of caring for grandchildren, by mostly grandmothers, may further affect older people's health and well-being. There is a paucity of information about chronic disease self-management for older people in the context of grandchildren caregiving in sub-Saharan Africa. Guided by the Self-Management Framework, the purpose of this qualitative methods study was to explore the chronic disease self-management practices and challenges of grandparent caregivers in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Eighteen repeat in-depth interviews were carried out with six grandparent caregivers aged 56 to 80 years over 12 months. Thematic analysis was conducted based on the Self-Management Framework. Pathways into self-management of chronic illnesses were identified: living with a chronic illness, focusing on illness needs, and activating resources. Self-perceptions of caregiving dictated that grandmothers, as women, have the responsibility of caring for grandchildren when they themselves needed care, lived in poverty, and with chronic illnesses that require self-management. However, despite the hardship, the gendered role of caring for grandchildren brought meaning to the grandmothers' lives and supported self-management due to the reciprocal relationship with grandchildren, although chronic illness self-management was complicated where relationships between grandmothers and grandchildren were estranged. The study findings demonstrate that grandchildren caregiving and self-management of chronic conditions are inextricably linked. Optimal self-management of chronic diseases must be seen within a larger context that simultaneously addresses chronic diseases, while paying attention to the intersection of socio-cultural factors with self-management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dumile Gumede
- Centre for General Education, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Anna Meyer-Weitz
- School of Applied Human Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Anita Edwards
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Janet Seeley
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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