ABSTRACT
Background. HIV testing and counselling (HTC) is important to effect positive sexual behaviour change and is an entry point to treatment; care; and psychosocial support. One of the most practical initiatives to increase HTC is to encourage sexual partners of HIV-infected persons to test for HIV. However; partner notification strategies must be feasible in the healthcare setting and acceptable to the population. Methods.We conducted a qualitative study during the pilot phase of an HIV partner notification trial to complement its assessment of feasibility and acceptability of methods of partner notification. We performed in-depth interviews with 16 consecutive HIV-positive index participants who consented and their 12 identifiable sexual partners. We also conducted two focus group discussions with healthcare workers to supplement the patient perspectives. In the main study; newly diagnosed HIV cases (index cases) were randomized to one of three methods of partner notification: passive; contract; and provider referral. Clients in the passive referral group were responsible for notifying their sexual partners themselves. Individuals in the contract referral group were given seven days to notify their partners; after which a healthcare provider contacted partners who had not reported for counselling and testing. In the provider group; a healthcare provider notified partners directly. Results.Although most index participants and partners expressed a preference for passive notification; they also highlighted benefits for provider-assisted notification and the universal right for all HIV-exposed persons to know their HIV exposure and benefit from HIV testing and access antiretroviral treatment. Several participants mentioned couples counselling as a way to diffuse tension and get accurate information. All mentioned benefits to HIV testing; including the opportunity to change behaviour. Conclusions. Provider-assisted partner notification is not preferred; but it is acceptable and may complement the passive method of notification. Couples counselling should also be encouraged
Subject(s)
Disclosure , Disease Notification , HIV Infections/diagnosis , Sexual Behavior , Sexual PartnersABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the willingness of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) to provide single dose antiretroviral prophylaxis to infants born to mothers with HIV and the feasibility of providing the TBAs with antiretroviral medication. Design 2 focus groups with a total of 17 registered TBAs. Setting Lilongwe; Malawi Methods TBAs were recruited by local health workers and participated in focus groups assessing their attitudes towards participation in a PMTCT program. Results TBAs were willing to participate in this prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) program and helped identify barriers to their participation. Conclusions:Given appropriate support and training; TBAs' participation in PMTCT programs could be an additional way to deliver medication to mothers and neonates who might otherwise miss crucial doses of medication
Subject(s)
Anti-Retroviral Agents , Disease Transmission, Infectious , HIV Infections , MidwiferyABSTRACT
Aim :Like most of sub-Saharan Africa; Malawi suffers from a paucity of human resources in the health sector. With an average of one physician for every 50;000 persons; and a health care professional to in-patient population ratio of 1:277; patient care suffers. At Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) of Lilongwe; Malawi; family members; termed Hospital Guardians; are utilized to provide basic care for patients. The aim of our study is to characterize this population and explore their role in the health care system of KCH. Methods Seventy three semi-qualitative surveys and nineteen in-depth interviews were conducted with hospital administrators; Guardians; nurses; and physicians from these wards. The results were analyzed using descriptive analysis and emergent coding. ResultsIt was found that Hospital Guardians were primarily female family members of patients and have a low literacy rate. They performed a wide range of daily tasks in patient care from wound care to advocacy. Despite their essential role in the health care system; the Guardians were provided with little support from the hospital. There was often conflict between the Guardians and hospital personnel due to overcrowding with more than one Guardian per patient; a lack of understanding of hospital rules and regulations; and a lack of respect for the Guardian role by hospital staff.Conclusions :Until their role can be reduced by additional trained health care professionals; patient care could be improved by institutional support including a clarification of the role of the Hospital Guardians. Recommendations include a one-patient one-guardian policy; Guardian education; and enhancing Guardian resources