Challenges of primary healthcare nurses regarding the integration of HIV and AIDS services into primary healthcare in Vhembe district of Limpopo province, South Africa.

Azwidihwi R Tshililo,Livhuwani H Nemathaga,Lizzy Mangena-Netshikweta,Mary Maluleke

doi:10.4102/curationis.v42i1.1849

Abstract

BackgroundIntegration of human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV and AIDS) services into primary healthcare (PHC) is a key public health approach to achieving universal access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Despite the government’s efforts of integrating HIV services into PHC, an insufficient number of PHC staff and inadequate infrastructure are challenging when integrating HIV and AIDS services into PHC. This study explored the challenges of PHC nurses regarding the integration of HIV and AIDS services into PHC.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to explore the challenges of PHC nurses regarding the integration of HIV and AIDS services into PHC.MethodAn exploratory, descriptive and contextual qualitative research design utilising face-to-face semi-structured interviews was conducted with 12 PHC nurses from selected clinics and health centres in the Vhembe district of Limpopo province.ResultsTwo main themes emerged from data analysis which included challenges related to healthcare recipients and challenges related to healthcare providers.ConclusionClear policies on the integration of HIV and AIDS services into PHC should be available and should include strategies to promote HIV testing and counselling, adherence to ART and scheduled appointments, disclosure of HIV status as well as revising the human resource policy to reduce workload.

Highlights

Integrating HIV services into primary healthcare (PHC) was adopted by the government of South Africa as a key to achieving universal access to antiretroviral therapy (ART)
Two main themes emerged from data analysis: nurses have challenges related to healthcare recipients, which included refusal of HIV testing, non-adherence to scheduled appointment, non-acceptance of HIV status and nondisclosure of HIV+ status, as well as challenges related to service delivery, which included high workload, insufficient consulting rooms and an inadequate number of staff
Refusal of HIV testing Nurses at clinics and health centres are experiencing challenges of patients who refuse to be tested for HIV during consultation and this hinders HIV and AIDS services integration into PHC

Summary

Introduction

Integrating HIV services into primary healthcare (PHC) was adopted by the government of South Africa as a key to achieving universal access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Despite the government’s efforts of integrating HIV services into PHC, an insufficient number of PHC staff and inadequate infrastructure is problematic when such integration is taking place. The study explored the challenges of PHC nurses regarding the integration of HIV/AIDS services into PHC in Vhembe district of Limpopo province, South Africa. Integration of human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV and AIDS) services into primary healthcare (PHC) is a key public health approach to achieving universal access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Despite the government’s efforts of integrating HIV services into PHC, an insufficient number of PHC staff and inadequate infrastructure are challenging when integrating HIV and AIDS services into PHC.

Objectives

Results

Conclusion