Facilitators and Barriers to Retention in HIV Care among HIV Infected MSM Attending Community Health Center Yaba, Lagos Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The burden of HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) has posed a huge public health threat to the developing country like Nigeria. Identification of effective strategies to improve their retention in HIV care especially for young HIV infected MSM is critical for overall success in scaling down the national burden of HIV/AIDS. The aim of this study was to assess the facilitators and barriers to retention in HIV care among HIV infected MSM attending community health center, Yaba Lagos Nigeria.
 Methods: A two months (May –June,2016) exploratory qualitative research study was conducted among 181 respondents enrolled into HIV care within 12 months that attend community health center, Yaba Lagos Nigeria. A pretested and semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on the specific facilitators and barriers to retention in HIV care among respondents. Data entries and analysis were done using SPSS package version 20. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize quantitative variables, and frequency tables were generated for the relevant variables.
 Results: The median age (in years) of the participants sampled was 24. The study identified friendly clinic service 44%, having positive relationship with clinic staff 16%, friendly and secured environment 20% as the major facilitators to retention in HIV care while implicating distance 36% and self -denial 21% as major barriers to retention in HIV care among the respondents.
 Conclusion: Majority of the respondents were retained in HIV care services due to the available friendly clinic services and conducive environment instituted at the service provision site.

Transfusion Therapy in HIV: Risk Mitigation and Benefits for Improved Patient Outcomes

“…Close monitoring of patients' response to ART and its effect on transfusion requirements is essential. [67][68][69][70][71] Long-term transfusion therapy can lead to iron overload, posing risks of organ damage. Monitoring iron levels and implementing ironchelating therapies when necessary are crucial to prevent complications associated with excessive iron accumulation in HIV patients receiving regular transfusions.…”

“…Moreover, in the landscape of HIV care, the pursuit of safer blood products to mitigate transfusiontransmitted infections has been an ongoing endeavor, with advancements in blood safety measures significantly impacting transfusion therapy. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] This paper seeks to comprehensively explore the complex relationship between transfusion therapy and HIV, delving into the intricacies that healthcare professionals encounter when navigating the transfusion landscape for HIV-infected individuals. By synthesizing current knowledge, addressing challenges, highlighting benefits, and acknowledging potential risks, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of transfusion therapy's role in improving patient outcomes in the context of HIV management.…”

Mental Health and Psychosocial Effects of natural disaster on HIV Patients

“…The intersection of natural disasters and the complex landscape of HIV care introduces intricate challenges, disrupting access to crucial healthcare services, medication adherence, and psychosocial support networks. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] The impact of natural disasters on the mental health of HIV patients is a topic of increasing concern and study. 12 Disruptions in healthcare infrastructure, exacerbated by the chaos following disasters, disrupt the continuity of care essential for managing HIV.…”

Evaluation of the Awareness and Practice of HIV Positive Mothers towards Infant Feeding Options at Serere Health Center IV, Serere District

“…Approximately 430,000 children under 15 years of age were newly infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in 2010, and more than 71% are living in sub-Saharan Africa [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. Without interventions to prevent mother-to-child transmission, 30-45% of infants born to HIV-positive mothers in developing countries become infected during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21]. The availability of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) during the last trimester of pregnancy and delivery through Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) program reduces transmission of HIV during pregnancy, labor and delivery from 10% to 20% [22].but it did not solve the problem of infant feeding which is responsible for as much as 5-20% of infections.…”