Abstract
BackgroundAn increasing number of people living with HIV (PLWH) have had chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) over the last 5 years. However, robust evidence regarding the perception and challenges of having NCDs among PLWH is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to synthesize qualitative evidence regarding the experiences of PLWH with NCDs.MethodsWe used a meta-aggregation approach to synthesize qualitative studies. Peer-reviewed and gray literature published in English and Chinese from 1996 to November 2020 was searched using electronic databases. Two reviewers independently appraised the methodological quality and extracted data from the included studies. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) meta-aggregation approach was used to synthesize the findings.ResultsIn total, 10,594 studies were identified in the initial database search. Fourteen eligible studies were included in the meta-synthesis. Among these studies, nine synthesized findings regarding the following topics were identified: fragmented healthcare systems, care continuity, manifestations of multiple conditions, financial hardship, stigma and discrimination, polypharmacy burden and adherence, reciprocal relationships between HIV and NCDs, and coping strategies.ConclusionsIn recent years, attempts have been made to institutionalize NCD preventive and control services in HIV long-term care. However, considering the growing problem of HIV and NCD comorbidity globally, integrated primary health care systems are needed to address the problems of PLWH with NCDs. Healthcare professionals should help PLWH develop strategies to better monitor their polypharmacy burden and adherence, stigma and discrimination, financial hardship, and manifestations of multiple conditions to achieve high levels of care continuity.
Highlights
The life expectancy of people living with HIV (PLWH) has been steadily increasing due to the introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 1996
Xu and colleagues conducted a systematic review of 49 published studies and found that the prevalence of hypertension among PLWH was 25.2%, which is consistent with a WHO report [8]
Woldesemayat’s study surveying 380 PLWH in Ethiopia showed that 51.6% of the participants had at least one type of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and that 8.9% of the participants had more than two types of NCDs [13]
Summary
The life expectancy of people living with HIV (PLWH) has been steadily increasing due to the introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 1996. Studies concerning HIV and aging suggest that a growing number of PLWH face aging and age-related issues, including chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) [2, 3]. Research interest in chronic conditions among PLWH has increased because of the growing number of PLWH with NCDs over the last 5 years [7]. Xu and colleagues conducted a systematic review of 49 published studies and found that the prevalence of hypertension among PLWH was 25.2%, which is consistent with a WHO report [8]. Daultrey and colleagues’ systematic review revealed that among the 45 included studies, the prevalence of diabetes among PLWH ranged from 1.3 to 26% based on different diagnostic criteria [9]. An increasing number of people living with HIV (PLWH) have had chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) over the last 5 years. This study aimed to synthesize qualitative evidence regarding the experiences of PLWH with NCDs
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