{"title":"Understanding barriers to HIV care and treatment adherence in Guyana and the Caribbean: A mixed-methods analysis","authors":"Tariq Jagnarine","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100744","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to identify and analyze the primary barriers to HIV care and treatment adherence in Guyana and the Caribbean.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was employed, incorporating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with 200 HIV-positive individuals attending clinics in Guyana and the Caribbean. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Ethical approval was obtained.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Key findings revealed that stigma (60%), financial constraints (55%), and transportation issues (45%) were the most reported barriers. Stigma was particularly prevalent among unemployed participants (<em>P</em> <0.05), while transportation challenges were more significant in rural areas (<em>P</em> <0.01). Approximately 85% of participants reported adherence rates above 90%, but 15% had discontinued treatment due to side effects, stigma, or financial barriers. Follow-up support, such as peer counseling, significantly improved re-engagement in care (<em>P</em> <0.01).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The study highlights the multifaceted barriers to HIV care in Guyana and the Caribbean, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted interventions to reduce stigma, improve financial accessibility, and enhance follow-up services.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100744"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7000,"publicationDate":"2025-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"IJID regions","FirstCategoryId":"1085","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772707625001791","RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":null,"ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q4","JCRName":"INFECTIOUS DISEASES","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objectives
This study aimed to identify and analyze the primary barriers to HIV care and treatment adherence in Guyana and the Caribbean.
Methods
A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was employed, incorporating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with 200 HIV-positive individuals attending clinics in Guyana and the Caribbean. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Ethical approval was obtained.
Results
Key findings revealed that stigma (60%), financial constraints (55%), and transportation issues (45%) were the most reported barriers. Stigma was particularly prevalent among unemployed participants (P <0.05), while transportation challenges were more significant in rural areas (P <0.01). Approximately 85% of participants reported adherence rates above 90%, but 15% had discontinued treatment due to side effects, stigma, or financial barriers. Follow-up support, such as peer counseling, significantly improved re-engagement in care (P <0.01).
Conclusions
The study highlights the multifaceted barriers to HIV care in Guyana and the Caribbean, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted interventions to reduce stigma, improve financial accessibility, and enhance follow-up services.