The role of support groups in linking and retaining newly diagnosed clients in HIV care in a peri-urban location in South Africa.

The role of support groups in linking and retaining newly diagnosed clients in HIV care in a peri-urban location in South Africa. Afr J AIDS Res. 2019 Mar;18(1):9-17 Authors: Kave S, Khuzwayo NF, Hatcher A, Sikweyiya Y Abstract Although South Africa has the largest number of people on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the world, many HIV clients drop out of care immediately after HIV diagnosis. This qualitative study explored the perceptions and experiences of newly diagnosed clients on the role support groups play in linking and retaining newly diagnosed clients in HIV care in Mbandazayo peri-urban location. The data were analysed using the thematic content analysis approach. Data revealed four mechanisms through which support groups appeared to link and retain newly diagnosed clients in the HIV care continuum. First, support groups were a formal link between newly diagnosed clients and health facilities. Second, support groups mitigated the effects of both felt and enacted stigma, thereby facilitating acceptance of HIV diagnosis among newly diagnosed clients. Third, support groups were an advocacy and networking tool for newly diagnosed clients to make their health related needs, challenges, and concerns known to local health clinics, thereby forging and maintaining a close relationship with their local health facilities. Last, support groups were spaces within the community where practical needs of newly diagnosed clients are met, w...
Source: African Journal of AIDS Research - Category: African Health Tags: Afr J AIDS Res Source Type: research