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. 2012 Dec 31;15(2):18020.
doi: 10.7448/IAS.15.2.18020.

Barriers and facilitators to linkage to ART in primary care: a qualitative study of patients and providers in Blantyre, Malawi

Peter MacPherson  1 , Eleanor E MacPherson, Daniel Mwale, Stephen Bertel Squire, Simon D Makombe, Elizabeth L Corbett, David G Lalloo, Nicola Desmond
Affiliations

Barriers and facilitators to linkage to ART in primary care: a qualitative study of patients and providers in Blantyre, Malawi

Peter MacPherson et al. J Int AIDS Soc. .

Abstract

Introduction: Linkage from HIV testing and counselling (HTC) to initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is suboptimal in many national programmes in sub-Saharan Africa, leading to delayed initiation of ART and increased risk of death. Reasons for failure of linkage are poorly understood.

Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were undertaken with health providers and HIV-positive primary care patients as part of a prospective cohort study at primary health centres in Blantyre, Malawi. Patients successful and unsuccessful in linking to ART were included.

Results: Progression through the HIV care pathway was strongly influenced by socio-cultural norms, particularly around the perceived need to regain respect lost during a period of visibly declining health. Capacity to call upon the support of networks of families, friends and employers was a key determinant of successful progression. Over-busy clinics, non-functioning laboratories and unsuitable tools used for ART eligibility assessment (WHO clinical staging system and centralized CD4 count measurement) were important health systems determinants of drop-out.

Conclusions: Key interventions that could rapidly improve linkage include guarantee of same-day, same-clinic ART eligibility assessments; utilization of the support offered by peer-groups and community health workers; and integration of HTC and ART programmes.

Keywords: HIV testing and counselling; antiretroviral therapy; linkage to care; qualitative studies; sub-Saharan Africa.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The HIV care pathway and services provided at each step.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Socio-ecological conceptual framework of barriers and facilitators of progression through HIV care pathway. Based on a framework developed by Roura et al. [21].
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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