Tasks and Strategies of Self-Management of Living with Antiretroviral Therapy in Uganda
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Date
2013
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AIDS PATIENT CARE and STDs
Abstract
There is increasing interest in promoting and supporting self-management of HIV and antiretroviral treatment
(ART), including in resource-limited settings. Although the impact of HIV and ART on people in Uganda has
been explored, little attention has been paid to how people self-manage. This qualitative study collected data
from 20 participants on ART in Wakiso district, Uganda, using in-depth interviews, life histories, and observations
to explore the tasks and strategies of living with ART. The identified strategies were compared to two
existing self-management frameworks. Results highlighted a range of tasks including obtaining, taking, and
adhering to ART medication, monitoring their condition, living with stigma and managing disclosure, maintaining
general health, and adjusting to new roles. Participants described a range of strategies or behaviors to
manage, which they actively created and used, tailored to their needs and environment. Comparison with
existing frameworks revealed many similarities, with some local differences in enactment, and greater emphasis
in our sample on obtaining the medication. Interventions to support people with self-management in Uganda,
and possibly other resource-limited settings, require careful adaptation to local settings. The degree to which
each of these strategies may improve health and quality of life requires further investigation.
Description
Keywords
Self-Management, Tasks and Strategies, Antiretroviral Therapy, Uganda
Citation
Martin, F., Kiwanuka, T., Kawuma, R., Zalwango, F., & Seeley, J. (2013). Tasks and strategies of self-management of living with antiretroviral therapy in Uganda. AIDS patient care and STDs, 27(12), 697-706.DOI: 10.1089/apc.2013.0254