Investigating the Barriers and Facilitators to Using Antiretroviral Therapy among Women Living with HIV in Plateau State, Nigeria

Emmanuel O. Osayi (), Sarah C. Blake, Tolulope Afolaranmi, Oluseye Ajayi, John Onyeji, Atiene S. Sagay, Albert Anderson and Taiwo J. Obindo
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Emmanuel O. Osayi: APIN Public Health Initiatives Jos, Jos 930253, Plateau, Nigeria
Sarah C. Blake: Department of Health Policy & Management, Rollins School of Public Health United States of America, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
Tolulope Afolaranmi: Department of Community Medicine, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos 930241, Plateau, Nigeria
Oluseye Ajayi: APIN Public Health Initiatives FCT, Abuja 900104, Nigeria
John Onyeji: Faith Alive Foundation Hospital, Jos 930105, Plateau, Nigeria
Atiene S. Sagay: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos 930241, Plateau, Nigeria
Albert Anderson: Department of Medicine, Rollins School of Public Health United States of America, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
Taiwo J. Obindo: Department of Psychiatry, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos 930241, Plateau, Nigeria

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 5, 1-9

Abstract: Background: Women and girls account for more than 50% of the global HIV population. In Nigeria, the proportion of women living with HIV on long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been on the rise. Despite this, little research exists on their experiences regarding antiretroviral therapy use, especially for women living with HIV (WLHIV) in Plateau State, Nigeria. This study investigates the barriers and facilitators influencing antiretroviral therapy use among women living with HIV. Methods: This study employed a qualitative research design, using focus groups, and included women (female sex workers, pregnant and non-pregnant women living with HIV) and the male partners of serodiscordant couples. Eligibility criteria were being 18 years of age or older, on antiretroviral therapy for more than one year/on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for more than one month, and speaking English, Hausa, or both. Data coding utilized both inductive and deductive approaches, and standard content analysis was applied to develop emerging themes. Results: Of the 106 participants, 88 were women living with HIV, and 18 were men in serodiscordant couples. The first facilitator shared by the participants was feeling healthier and stronger due to the antiretroviral therapy, which was also expressed by the male participants on PrEP as feeling good while taking the drug. Additional facilitators shared by the participants included weight gain and having a more positive outlook on life. Participants also disproportionately described barriers to using antiretroviral therapy, including experiences with emotional challenges, physical discomfort, and side effects of ART. Such barriers were linked to feelings of past regret, frustration, and disappointment. Conclusion: This study underscores the significance of maintaining a positive perspective on ART use, demonstrated by the connection between a positive outlook and weight gain, and highlights the hurdles that Plateau State’s women living with HIV face in adhering to antiretroviral therapy. Policymakers and healthcare providers can utilize these findings to formulate targeted strategies aimed at minimizing identified barriers and enhancing antiretroviral therapy utilization among this population via peer- support groups, economic empowerment, and psychosocial support.

Keywords: women living with HIV; antiretroviral treatment; qualitative research; focus group discussion (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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