Abstract
BackgroundThe prevalence of hypertension is increasing among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, knowledge of the complications and management of hypertension among PLWHA in Uganda remains low. We explored the acceptability of implementing hypertension (HTN) specific health education by community health workers (CHWs) among PLWHA in rural Uganda.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study consisting of 22 in-depth interviews (14 PLWHA/HTN and 8 CHWs), 3 focus group discussions (FGDs), 2 with PLWHA/HTN and 1 with CHWs from Nakaseke district, Uganda. Participants were interviewed after a single session interaction with the CHW. Data were transcribed from luganda (local language) into English and analyzed using thematic analysis. We used Sekhon’s model of acceptability of health Interventions to explore participants’ perceptions.ResultsParticipants believed CHWs utilized easy-to-understand, colloquial, non-technical language during education delivery, had a pre-existing rapport with the CHWs that aided faster communication, and had more time to explain illness than medical doctors had. Participants found the educational material (PocketDoktor™) to be simple and easy to understand, and perceived that the education would lead to improved health outcomes. Participants stated their health was a priority and sought further disease-specific information. We also found that CHWs were highly motivated to carry out the patient-centered education. While delivering the education, CHWs experienced difficulties in keeping up with the technical details regarding hypertension in the PocketDoktor™, financial stress and patient questions beyond their self-perceived skill level and experience. PLWHA/HTN had challenges accessing the health facility where the intervention was delivered and preferred a household setting.ConclusionsHypertension patient-centered education delivered by CHWs using the PocketDoktor™ was acceptable to PLWHA and hypertension in Nakaseke area in rural, Uganda. There is need for further studies to determine the cost implications of delivering this intervention among PLWHA across LMIC settings.
Highlights
The prevalence of hypertension is increasing among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in lowand middle-income countries (LMICs)
Study design We carried out an exploratory qualitative study using focus group discussions (FGD) and in-depth interviews (IDI) with community health workers (CHWs), and PLWHA and HTN
The average age of the PLWHA that participated in the in-depth interviewees was 55.9 years
Summary
The prevalence of hypertension is increasing among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in lowand middle-income countries (LMICs). Knowledge of the complications and management of hypertension among PLWHA in Uganda remains low. Hypertension (HTN) is the most common NCD and its prevalence among PLWHA has doubled over the past decade. This may be due to PLWHA living longer, increased access to antiretroviral therapy and lifestyle changes [2,3,4]. HIV/AIDS programs are well established across Uganda, these have yet to fully integrate hypertension management with HIV care and PLWHA often have limited knowledge about hypertension. A study conducted in rural Wakiso district of central Uganda showed very poor knowledge about hypertension and its consequences, with over 80% of the participants unaware of their diagnosis [12]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
