'Making the most of our situation': a qualitative study reporting health providers' perspectives on the challenges of implementing the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV services in Lagos, Nigeria.
Date
2021
Authors
Kram, NA
Yesufu, V
Lott, B
Palmer, KNB
Balogun, M
Ehiri, J
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMJ Open
Abstract
Objectives: To investigate the challenges of, and opportunities for, effective delivery of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services from the perspectives of primary healthcare providers in Lagos, Nigeria.
Design: This qualitative study consisted of nine focus groups with 59 health providers, analysed thematically.
Setting: Thirty-eight primary health facilities in central and western districts of Lagos, Nigeria.
Participants: Participants included nurses, nursing assistants, community health workers, laboratory workers,
pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, monitoring and evaluation staff and medical records personnel.
Results: Health providers’ challenges included frustration with the healthcare system where unmet training needs, lack
of basic amenities for effective and safe treatment practices, low wages and inefficient workflow were discussed. Providers
discussed patient-level challenges, which included the practice of giving fake contact information for fear of HIV-related
stigmatisation, and refusal to accept HIV-positive results and to enrol in care. Providers’ suggestions for addressing
PMTCT service delivery challenges included the provision of adequate supplies and training of healthcare workers. To
mitigate stigmatisation, participants suggested home-based care, working with traditional birth attendants and religious
institutions and designating a HIV health educator for each neighbourhood.
Conclusions: Findings illustrate the complex nature of PMTCT service delivery and illuminate issues at the patient and health system levels. These results may be used to inform strategies for addressing identified barriers and to improve the provision of PMTCT services, thus ensuring better outcomes for women and families.
Description
Scholarly article
Keywords
health care providers , primary health care , delivery of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services , Workers , Research Subject Categories::MEDICINE::Social medicine
Citation
Kram NA, Yesufu V, Lott B, Palmer KNB, Balogun M, Ehiri J. 'Making the most of our situation': a qualitative study reporting health providers' perspectives on the challenges of implementing the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV services in Lagos, Nigeria. BMJ Open. 2021 Oct 29;11(10):e046263. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046263.