A qualitative analysis of factors influencing health-seeking behavior of people living with HIV, hypertension and diabetes in an urban area of Ghana

Non-communicable diseases are rising globally and lower-middle-income countries are now facing a double-burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes. Patients with HIV/AIDS are at increased risk of developing hypertension and diabetes. Understanding how this double-burden influences persons living with HIV health-seeking behavior (HSB) is critical to identifying successful interventions and policies. To explore the factors that influence the health-seeking behavior of HIV patients with hypertension and diabetes in an urban setting of Ghana, we undertook a qualitative study consisting of sixteen in-depth interviews (five healthcare providers [HCP] and eleven patients); all recruited from Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) clinics in the Techiman South Municipality of Ghana. Interview questions were designed to explore cognitive, affective, social, and environmental factors that influence an individual’s decision-making process and behavior. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically. Participants raised unique challenges while seeking treatment services for HIV, hypertension, and diabetes. Frequent appointments, increased pill burden, food restrictions, alternate sources of care (herbalist and pastors), and negative psychological wellbeing were some of the challenges noted for seeking treatment services. Challenges with the health facility, including separate clinic days for comorbid conditions, high costs of medications and transportation, and long waiting hours were also cited as influencing health-seeking behavior. Results indicate greater challenges for HIV patients living with hypertension and diabetes in accessing treatment services. Understanding this is critical to removing barriers and making treatment more accessible. Further integration of treatment for hypertension and diabetes into HIV care is essential to ensuring patient engagement in continuous care.