Preprint / Version 1

Perceptions regarding barriers and facilitators to combination antiretroviral therapy adherence among people living with HIV/AIDS in Gujarat, India: A qualitative study

Authors

  • Sangita Patel Department of Community Medicine Medical College Baroda, Gujarat, India
  • Priyanka Coonor Department of Community Medicine Medical College Baroda, Gujarat, India
  • Ekta Modi Department of Community Medicine Medical College Baroda, Gujarat, India
  • Kalpita Shingrapure Department of Community Medicine Medical College Baroda, Gujarat, India
  • Harsh Bakshi Department of Community Medicine Medical College Baroda, Gujarat, India
  • Mansi Mehta Department of Community Medicine Medical College Baroda, Gujarat, India
  • Carol Golin UNC Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research
  • Shilpa Patel UNC Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research
  • Rajendra Baxi Department of Community Medicine Medical College Baroda, Gujarat, India
  • Kedar Mehta Department of Community Medicine Medical College Baroda, Gujarat, India

Keywords:

Barriers, cART, facilitators, HIV positive people, qualitative study

Abstract

Objectives: To know the perceptions regarding barriers and facilitators to cART adherence among people living with HIV/AIDS Materials and Methods: To adapt U.S. based SAFETALK “prevention with positives” intervention to be culturally relevant in Gujarat, India in assisting PLWHA, a formative study was conducted. We conducted 30 in-depth interviews with PLWHA in the local language, assessing the experiences, perceived barriers, and facilitators to combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) among PLWHA in Gujarat. PLWHA were selected from the Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centre (VCTC) in Gujarat. To triangulate interview findings, we conducted two focus group discussions (FGDs) with medical and non-medical providers, respectively. Results: Travel and commuting to clinic, fear of possible physical reactions, high cost of ART from private practitioners, CD4 count being in normal limits and resistance to medication acted as barriers to cART adherence. Initiation of cART was facilitated by family members′ suggestion, advice of treating doctors and counselors, appropriate counseling before starting cART, belief that cART would aid in living a better and longer life and due to lowering of the CD4 count. Interpretation and Conclusions: Our study suggests that several issues need to be considered when providing cART. Further research is needed to study interactions between patients and their health care providers. Keywords: Barriers, cART, facilitators, HIV positive people, qualitative study

Author Biography

Carol Golin, UNC Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research

UNC Center for AIDS Research

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