Access to ART Services: Lived Experiences and Coping Strategies of HIV-Positive Persons With Visual Impairment in Lira District, Northern Uganda.

IF 2.6 3区 生物学 Q3 BIOTECHNOLOGY & APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
BioMed Research International Pub Date : 2025-03-19 eCollection Date: 2025-01-01 DOI:10.1155/bmri/1903886
Gloria Ketty Acila, Noeline Aju Ijorea, Amir Kabunga, Mercy Joy Angom, Sandra Talemwa, Patrick Ayer, Anna Grace Auma
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: Despite progress in the HIV/AIDS response, marginalized populations persistently face unique challenges in accessing essential healthcare services, including antiretroviral therapy. The aim of this qualitative study is to explore and understand the lived experiences of individuals living with HIV and visual impairment in Lira District, Northern Uganda, specifically focusing on their access to antiretroviral therapy services. Additionally, the study is aimed at identifying and analyzing the coping strategies employed by this population in navigating the intersectionality of HIV and visual impairment. Methods: This qualitative study, conducted in Lira District, Northern Uganda, employed a descriptive phenomenological design. Thirty in-depth interviews were conducted at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, focusing on individuals living with both HIV and visual impairment. Data collection involved a semistructured interview guide, addressing key issues derived from a literature review. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis, guided by Braun and Clarke's framework. Results: Participants (N = 30) exhibited diverse sociodemographic characteristics, with ages ranging from 19 to 68 years. A number of themes emerged during data analysis: individuals developing visual impairment before and after ART initiation. Emotional challenges, strained relationships, and perceived burdenship were common themes among participants. Limited understanding of the cause of sight loss and a heightened perceived risk of HIV infection were evident. Challenges in accessing ART services included transportation difficulties, negative attitudes from healthcare workers, and a lack of trust in community drug distribution points. Participants employed various coping strategies, including prayers/religion, reliance on social support networks, denial, acceptance, and community rehabilitation. Positive religious beliefs offered hope, while social support played a crucial role in adaptation. Community rehabilitation and support were highlighted as instrumental in aiding coping. Conclusion: Despite awareness about the risk of HIV infection, significant barriers persist in accessing ART services for persons with visual impairment. Coping strategies underscore the importance of addressing psychosocial aspects. Tailored interventions, education, and policy changes are imperative to enhance inclusivity and accessibility of healthcare services for this vulnerable population in Uganda.

获得抗逆转录病毒治疗服务:乌干达北部里拉地区艾滋病毒阳性视力障碍患者的生活经历和应对策略。
背景:尽管在应对艾滋病毒/艾滋病方面取得了进展,但边缘化人口在获得基本保健服务,包括抗逆转录病毒治疗方面始终面临独特的挑战。这项定性研究的目的是探索和了解乌干达北部里拉地区艾滋病毒感染者和视力障碍患者的生活经历,特别关注他们获得抗逆转录病毒治疗服务的情况。此外,该研究旨在确定和分析这一人群在处理艾滋病毒和视力障碍的交叉性时所采用的应对策略。方法:本定性研究在乌干达北部的里拉区进行,采用描述现象学设计。在Lira地区转诊医院进行了30次深入访谈,重点是同时患有艾滋病毒和视力障碍的个人。数据收集涉及半结构化访谈指南,解决从文献综述中得出的关键问题。数据分析采用主题分析,以Braun和Clarke的框架为指导。结果:参与者(N = 30)表现出不同的社会人口学特征,年龄从19岁到68岁不等。在数据分析过程中出现了一些主题:开始抗逆转录病毒治疗前后出现视力障碍的个体。情感挑战、紧张的人际关系和感知到的负担是参与者的共同主题。对视力丧失的原因了解有限,对艾滋病毒感染风险的认知增加是显而易见的。获得抗逆转录病毒治疗服务方面的挑战包括交通困难、卫生保健工作者的消极态度以及对社区药物分发点缺乏信任。参与者采用了各种应对策略,包括祈祷/宗教、依赖社会支持网络、拒绝、接受和社区康复。积极的宗教信仰提供了希望,而社会支持在适应中起着至关重要的作用。强调社区康复和支助是协助应对的工具。结论:尽管人们意识到艾滋病毒感染的风险,但视障人士在获得抗逆转录病毒治疗服务方面仍然存在重大障碍。应对策略强调了处理社会心理方面问题的重要性。量身定制的干预措施、教育和政策变革对于增强乌干达这一弱势群体获得医疗服务的包容性和可及性至关重要。
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来源期刊
BioMed Research International
BioMed Research International BIOTECHNOLOGY & APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY-MEDICINE, RESEARCH & EXPERIMENTAL
CiteScore
6.70
自引率
0.00%
发文量
1942
审稿时长
19 weeks
期刊介绍: BioMed Research International is a peer-reviewed, Open Access journal that publishes original research articles, review articles, and clinical studies covering a wide range of subjects in life sciences and medicine. The journal is divided into 55 subject areas.
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