Patient experiences of sexual dysfunction after transition to dolutegravir‑based HIV treatment in mid‑Western Uganda: a qualitative study

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dc.contributor.authorZakumumpa, Henry
dc.contributor.authorKiguba, Ronald
dc.contributor.authorByomire Ndagije, Helen
dc.contributor.authorAtegeka, Gilbert
dc.contributor.authorNambi Ssanyu, Jacquellyn
dc.contributor.authorKitutu, Freddy Eric
dc.date.accessioned2023-01-27T16:21:01Z
dc.date.available2023-01-27T16:21:01Z
dc.date.issued2022
dc.description.abstractThe literature on dolutegravir (DTG)-based HIV treatment has focused on assessing therapeutic efficacy particularly with regard to viral load suppression. However, little empirical attention has been devoted to understanding the effects of DTG on quality of life, in particular sexual health and functioning in PLHIV. This study focused on understanding patient experiences of sexual dysfunction, after transition to DTG-based regimens in Rwenzori region in Mid-Western Uganda. Methods: We adopted a qualitative exploratory research design. Between August and September 2021, we conducted sixteen in-depth interviews and six focus group discussions (48 participants) with patients reporting ‘new’ sexual dysfunction after transition to DTG-based regimens at seven health facilities in mid-Western Uganda. Data were analyzed by thematic approach. Results: Decreased libido was reported in both sexes of patients within weeks of transition to DTG-based regimens. Diminished interest in sex was more frequently reported among women while men complained of a marked reduction in the frequency of sex. Women reported loss of psycho-social attraction to their long-term male partners. Erectile dysfunction was common among men in this sample of patients. Patients described their experiences of sexual dysfunction as an affront to their socially-constructed gender identities. Patients described tolerating sexual adverse drug reactions (ADRs) as a necessary tradeoff for the extension in life granted through antiretroviral therapy. A number of women reported that they had separated from their spouses as a result of perceived drug-induced sexual dysfunction. Marital strife and conflict arising from frustration with sexual-partner dysfunction was frequently reported by participants in both sexes. Several participants indicated experiencing insecurity in their heterosexual relationships due to difficulties in sexual functioning. Conclusion: Sexual dysfunction following transition to DTG-based regimens is common in both sexes of PLHIV, who indicated that they had no prior experience of difficulties in sexual health. Our findings demonstrate that sexual ADRs negatively impact self-esteem, overall quality of life and impair gender relations. DTG-related sexual health problems merit increased attention from HIV clinicians. Further research is warranted to assess the prevalence of DTG-associated sexual dysfunction in patients in Uganda.en_US
dc.identifier.citationZakumumpa, H., Kiguba, R., Ndagije, H. B., Ategeka, G., Ssanyu, J. N., & Kitutu, F. E. (2022). Patient experiences of sexual dysfunction after transition to dolutegravir-based HIV treatment in mid-Western Uganda: a qualitative study. BMC Infectious Diseases, 22(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-022-07673-zen_US
dc.identifier.urihttps://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-022-07673-z
dc.identifier.urihttps://nru.uncst.go.ug/handle/123456789/7354
dc.language.isoenen_US
dc.publisherBMC Infectious Diseasesen_US
dc.subjectPharmacovigilanceen_US
dc.subjectDolutegraviren_US
dc.subjectAntiretroviral therapyen_US
dc.subjectPatient safetyen_US
dc.subjectHIVen_US
dc.titlePatient experiences of sexual dysfunction after transition to dolutegravir‑based HIV treatment in mid‑Western Uganda: a qualitative studyen_US
dc.typeArticleen_US
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