Interruptions to HIV Care Delivery During Pandemics and Natural Disasters: A Qualitative Study of Challenges and Opportunities From Frontline Healthcare Providers in Western Kenya

Dan N. Tran, Jennifer Ching, Catherine Kafu, Juddy Wachira, Hillary Koros, Maya Venkataramani, Jamil Said, Sonak D. Pastakia, Omar Galárraga, Becky L. Genberg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

During public health crises, people living with HIV (PLWH) may become disengaged from care. The goal of this study was to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent flooding disasters on HIV care delivery in western Kenya. We conducted ten individual in-depth interviews with HIV providers across four health facilities. We used an iterative and integrated inductive and deductive data analysis approach to generate four themes. First, increased structural interruptions created exacerbating strain on health facilities. Second, there was increased physical and psychosocial burnout among providers. Third, patient uptake of services along the HIV continuum decreased, particularly among vulnerable patients. Finally, existing community-based programs and teleconsultations could be adapted to provide differentiated HIV care. Community-centric care programs, with an emphasis on overcoming the social, economic, and structural barriers will be crucial to ensure optimal care and limit the impact of public health disruptions on HIV care globally.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalJournal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care
Volume22
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2023

Keywords

  • Pandemics
  • community-based care
  • differentiated care
  • natural disasters
  • social determinants of health

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Dermatology
  • Immunology

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