Utility of HIV support groups in advancing implementation research in resource-limited settings: experiences from an urban-setting HIV support group in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Support groups for people living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) have continued to evolve since their emergence over two decades ago. In addition to providing HIV education and fostering psychosocial support, recent efforts have shifted the focus to socio-economic activities and retention in care. The sense of urgency to adopt new treatment and prevention strategies in sub-Saharan Africa necessitates greater engagement of established HIV care programs, especially among researchers seeking to conduct implementation research, promote prevention strategies and optimize treatment as prevention. To maximize the utility of support groups in doing so, efforts to create an organized, collaborative framework should be considered. This paper aims to describe the process of refocusing an adult HIV peer-support group and illustrate how a structured program was strengthened to sustain implementation research in resource-limited settings, while promoting patient recruitment and retention. A multidisciplinary team of scientists supporting an HIV peer-support group spearheaded the implementation process that authored the successes, challenges and lessons documented over eight years. Psychosocial support, nutrition care and support, adherence education and income generating projects were the main interventions employed. The initiative resulted in seven peer-reviewed publications, submission of 23 scientific abstracts, scientific dissemination at 12 international conferences. Eleven research studies and 16 income generating projects were successfully conducted over eight years. More than 900 patients participated in peer-support group activities every month and 400 were engaged in income generating activities. This multidisciplinary structured program was valuable in the retention and recruitment of patients for implementation research and benefits extended to psychosocial support, microeconomic projects, and improved nutrition. The support group contributed to strengthening implementation research through providing a platform for identification of research priorities, patient recruitment and retention in studies and dissemination of research findings.

Strategies to improve the care of older adults 50 years and above living with HIV in Uganda

“…Support groups and financial assistance for people living with lifelong conditions like HIV and diabetes is very important in improving their health and well-being [ 25 ]. Such groups and assistance can prevent them from loneliness and poverty normally associated with older people in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) [ 16 ]. In this study, participants acknowledged the need for support groups that can help the vulnerable in the community and wished the health workers, local leaders as well as the government to help them in terms of health and financial assistance.…”

Evaluation of the health-related quality of life and associated factors in Zimbabwean adults living with HIV: a cross-sectional study

“…Increased ART coverage is associated with reduced morbidity, improved immune functioning and psychological well-being, ultimately increasing the overall perceived HRQoL [ 44 ]. Also, HIV care centres in Zimbabwe offer infected individuals free counselling and peer support groups [ 46 ]. People with more extended treatment periods may have been subjected to formal and informal psychosocial support, which may have led to better acceptance and adherence to care, thus reducing morbidity and improving HRQoL overall [ 15 , 16 , 35 , 47 ].…”

Psychosocial experiences of pregnant women living with HIV in Ibadan, Oyo State

“…Beyond their interactions with healthcare providers, the participants also found solace and strength in connecting with other women living with HIV. This peer interaction, often facilitated within healthcare settings, provided much-needed reassurance, enabling them to see that it was possible to live with HIV and have healthy, HIV-negative children [ 38 , 39 ]. It also gave them a forum to share experiences, ask questions, and learn from others in similar situations.…”