When I receive ARVs through my group, my heart settles’: Participants’ perceptions and experiences of Friends for Life Circles for Option B+ in Kampala and Mityana Districts, Uganda
Loading...
Date
2023-11
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Public Library of Science
Abstract
Abstract
The Friends for Life Circles (FLC) was a parallel randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of a group peer support intervention to support long-term adherence to Option B+ in
Kampala and Mityana districts in Uganda. We explored FLC participants’ experiences and
perceptions of the intervention on adherence to Option B+ for PMTCT and potential implications for strengthening the PMTCT program. We collected data from six focus group discussions with lactating women enrolled in the FLC intervention, and from 14 key informant
interviews with health workers, district and national level stakeholders, as well as male partners of FLC participants. Data were analysed using a content thematic approach in a continuous and iterative process. Women described the FLC intervention as acceptable and
beneficial in enhancing their understanding of HIV and the need for ART. The FLC helped
women, especially those newly diagnosed with HIV infection to come to terms with their
diagnosis and overcome the fear of death linked to testing HIV positive, and provided opportunities to enhance ART initiation, resumption and adherence. The FLC provided safe
spaces for women, to learn about ART, and to receive support from peers including adherence reminders through home visits and ‘coded’ reminder messages. Receiving ART from
support groups protected members from stigma and long lines at health facilities. Fear of
stigma, health system challenges, the high cost of caring for animals and lack of money to
save in groups were key challenges noted. The FLC support groups were crucial in providing needed support for women to initiate, resume and adhere to lifelong ART for Option B+.
It is important that women who test HIV positive and start ART for life receive psychosocial
support from peers and health workers to improve chances of preventing HIV transmission
from mothers to children.
Description
Keywords
HIV, HIV diagnosis and management, Health care facilities, Socioeconomic aspects of health, Antiretroviral therapy, Pregnancy, HIV prevention, Public and occupational
Citation
Rujumba, Joseph, Rachel L. King, Joyce Namale-Matovu, et al. '‘When I Receive ARVs through My Group, My Heart Settles’: Participants’ Perceptions and Experiences of Friends for Life Circles for Option B+ in Kampala and Mityana Districts, Uganda', PLOS Global Public Health, vol. 3/no. 11, (2023), pp. e0001326-e0001326.