Assessing the Role of Home-Based Care in Antiretroviral Therapy in Tanzania

Abstract

This paper examines the importance of home-based care in delivering ART to people with HIV in Tanzania. While research into self-management of HIV under ART in Africa has focused mostly on adherence to treatment, relatively little has explored the benefits of home-based care as an effective strategy in reaching a targeted population of people with HIV in Dar es Salaam. A total of 41 respondents were interviewed. Questions detailed treatment-seeking behavior and how best to improve the care the patients receive. Findings: Majority of respondents see a greater benefit in accessing treatment through home-based care. Several touted cost savings, ease of access, privacy, and less stigmatization as clear benefits over currently clinic-based programs. The study concludes that home-based programs should be scaled-up because of its feasibility, preferability, and importance of HBC in the dissemination of ART.