Antiretroviral Treatment and Follow-up of HIV-Infected Patients by Health Care Providers in South African Public Primary Health Care

Abstract

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV became available in the South African public health sector in 2004. Medical treatment in public primary health care (PHC) clinics is dependent on nurses and auxiliary staff. The aim of this descriptive study was to describe practice patterns and perceptions of health care providers (HCPs) regarding treatment of HIV-infected patients on ART, drug adherence, and patient education in a public PHC setting in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Personal interviews, using a structured questionnaire, were conducted with all HCPs (N=43) working with the ART program at 7 PHC clinics. Insufficient training was expressed as a major concern. Medication adherence was believed to be the most important aspect of care to discuss with HIV-infected patients. HCPs perceived that patients had few side effects. HCPs faced challenges with heavy workloads, lack of sufficient human resources and training, and time constraints.

Endothelial activation and cardiometabolic profiles of treated and never-treated HIV infected Africans

“…After the initial diagnosis treatment was initiated by the clinics (as part of a roll-out programme) at a CD4 cell count of 200 cells/ mm 3 [24] and consisted of two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (Stavudine and Lamivudine) and one non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (Efavirenz or Nevirapine). Participants that were not eligible for treatment returned to the clinics in the course of five years (2005e2010) and treatment was initiated once their CD4 cell counts were below 200 cells/mm 3 .…”

Clinician perceptions and patient experiences of antiretroviral treatment integration in primary health care clinics, Tshwane, South Africa

“…Active involvement of support staff to cope with human-resource demands for the provision of HIV and AIDS care at PHC level and scaling up ART services was necessary (Harrison 2009 :28). Some countries have also implemented the task-shifting guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO 2007 ) to address health worker shortages (Callaghan, Ford & Schneider 2010 ; Ruud et al 2010 :417).…”

Health Care Workers’ Suggestions for Improving HIV‐Related Maternal Care in South Africa: “Listen to Us”

“…However, only those nurses who continue on for specialized education are known as midwives. All these health care providers play a key role in the delivery of maternal health services but often have insufficient access to resources . In many cases, maternal health care providers in the sub‐Saharan region lack supplies, are often short‐staffed, and have limited access to continuing education.…”