Abstract #3729  -  Barriers to accessing Comprehensive Continuum of Care services for PLHIV
Authors:   Presenting Author:   Dr Ugochukwu Amanyeiwe - USAID
Additional Authors:  Dr UGOchukwu Amanyeiwe, Dr Ilana Lapidos-Salaiz,
Aim: Identifying gaps and bottlenecks in HIV program designs at community level that further present barriers to accessing prevention care and treatment services by PLHIV
Method / Issue: Assessment of PLHIV perspective on HIV service delivery and program designs using mostly qualitative methods focus group discussions (FGD) and in-depth-interviews (IDI). Data feedback from these different sections yielded a myriad of information that open up numerous questions yet to be addressed on mostly non-clinical and structural barriers to access and retention in care and treatment
Results / Comments: Assessment revealed numerous findings that include but are not limited to the following - Sustainable livelihoods for PLHIV is critical to their improved self-efficacy and resilience for living positively with HIV, while adhering to treatment and stay retained in care programs. - PLHIV support groups provide a platform for ongoing peer support that could be harnessed and leveraged for facilitating prevention, care and support services for PLHIV in between clinic visits. - Provider attitude at clinic could be a strong deterrent to PLHIV assessing services at that site. - Significant percentages of PLHIV have a strong desire for child bearing and this is not adequately addressed by the existing programs. - PLHIV with disabilities are unable to access services with ease as most sites are not disability accessible
Discussion: Causes of barriers to access a varied and multifaceted, some of these are looked at from the perspective of the PLHIV and suggested recommendations from this population are proffered as potential solutions to be considered for viability and as smart investments. Continued training and reorientation of service providers for stigma mitigation is critical in both community and facility settings
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