The Psychosocial Profile of Women Who Defaulted Option B+ HIV Treatment: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis Study
DHLAKAMA, PATRICIA; Lelaka, Constance Matshidiso; Mavhandu-Mudzusi, Azwihangwisi Helen
Purpose: The study explored the psychosocial profile of women who defaulted Option B+ HIV treatment at Chitungwiza
Municipality clinics in Zimbabwe. Option B+ is a strategy to prevent mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV to reduce
MTCT rate to less than or equal to 5%.
Methods: An interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) design was used. Data were collected from 04 September to
12 October 2020 on twelve purposively selected HIV-positive breastfeeding women aged 18 to 40 years, who defaulted Option B+
HIV treatment. Unstructured individual face-to-face interviews were utilised. Data were analysed thematically using the interpretive
phenomenological analysis framework for data analysis.
Results: The study findings revealed that participants experienced the following: psychosocial and emotional challenges due to HIV
positive results, shown emotional distress and suicidal tendencies which affected their mental health. Their relationship was derailed
due to abuse, infidelity, partner’s high-risk behaviour and to lack of support stemming from their partners and family members.
Conclusion: Strengthening adherence support interventions and effective counselling on HIV-positive status disclosure and male
partner involvement is important for retaining women in care and for improving their quality of life. Comprehensive, integrated, and
tailor-made interventions should be adopted. Couple HIV counselling and testing should be encouraged. Psychosocial and mental
health should be encouraged. Furthermore, community sensitization, risk reduction behaviour, education on purpose and side effects of
ART as well as the benefits of Option B+ to new enrolments should be intensified and strengthened to minimize defaulting of treatment
and LTFUP. Vigorous patient tracing and visit reminders help retain women in care.
↧