A multinational qualitative investigation of the perspectives and drivers of exercise and dietary behaviors in people living with HIV

Abstract

Globally, people living with HIV (PLWH) are at remarkably high risk for developing chronic comorbidities. While exercise and healthy eating reduce and mitigate chronic comorbidites, PLWH like many others, often fail to engage in recommended levels. We qualitatively examined the perspectives and contextual drivers of diet and exercise reported by PLWH and their health care providers. Two hundred and six participants across eight sites in the United States, Puerto Rico and Botswana described one overarching theme, Arranging Priorities, and four subthemes Defining Health, Perceived Importance of Diet and Exercise, Competing Needs, and Provider Influence. People living with HIV and their health care providers recognize the importance of eating a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise. Yet there are HIV-specific factors limiting these behaviors that should be addressed. Health care providers have an important, and often underutilized opportunity to support PLWH to make improvements to their exercise and diet behavior.

A qualitative study of facilitators and barriers to cardiovascular risk factor control in a semiurban population in India

“…evaluated all of the transcripts independently to capture prevailing themes with examples. [2627] A priori codes relevant to the study variables were developed, such as known facilitators and barriers to adherence. Responses were then categorized into existing codes where possible.…”

A qualitative focus group study of perceived barriers and benefits to exercise by self-described exercise status among older adults living with HIV

“…Indeed, the SEM model has been used extensively in the exercise health- behaviour literature to investigate the many competing factors that influence physical activity 24–27. Similarly, a number of qualitative studies have explored attitudes towards exercise or physical activity among diverse populations of PLWH and have identified factors influencing exercise or routine physical activity, such as physical health and self-efficacy (personal), social support and competing priorities such as caregiver responsibilities (social), and accessibility of safe environments for exercise (community) 28–33. However, these studies did not distinguish the viewpoints of participants with and without established exercise habits.…”

Behavioral and Physical Activity Interventions for HAND

“…Health care providers have a prominent role in integrating health behavior promotion into routine HIV care (Webel et al 2017). Health care providers can leverage their relationships with patients living with HIV to emphasize a holistic concept of well-being that includes engagement in health behaviors (Webel et al 2017). Despite evidence supporting the effectiveness of health behavior promotion in primary health care, implementation has been slow (Brotons et al 2012).…”