Exploring the challenges of women taking antiretroviral treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in peri-urban Harare, Zimbabwe.
Int J Gynaecol Obstet
; 154(2): 220-226, 2021 Aug.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1245424
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the challenges of women taking antiretroviral treatment (ART) during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in a peri-urban area.METHODS:
An exploratory qualitative study approach was used. Semi-structured questions were devised and used to elicit data on the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on women accessing treatment for HIV. Twenty women were interviewed through contacts from community and faith organizations in peri-urban Harare. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and entered into NVivo to make analysis easy. The data were thematically analyzed, underpinned by the four phases of data analysis in the Silences Framework.RESULTS:
The study discovered that transport problems, confusing COVID-19 restrictions, abuse by police and soldiers at roadblocks, a shortage of medication, lack of health check-up routines, involuntary default of ART, and a shortage of personal protective equipment affected HIV-positive women accessing ART during the COVID-19 lockdown.CONCLUSION:
People living with HIV need a robust supporting environment and a functioning health system. In response to COVID-19 all services were halted to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Pandemic preparedness is important in keeping an adequate supply of ART and responding to the needs of individuals on HIV treatment.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
HIV Infections
/
Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
/
COVID-19
/
Health Services Accessibility
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
Limits:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Country/Region as subject:
Africa
Language:
English
Journal:
Int J Gynaecol Obstet
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Ijgo.13771
Similar
MEDLINE
...
LILACS
LIS