A Case Study on the Community ART Group Model of Care: Does It work for People Living with HIV and Healthcare Service Providers in Lesotho

Tsehloane, Setungoane Lucia; Nyangu, Isabel

Abstract

The Community ART Group (CAG) model is a community-led model implemented to support people living with HIV to address barriers to HIV treatment continuity which remain a challenge in Lesotho. This study sought to explore the perspectives of people living with HIV and that of the healthcare service providers, regarding the CAG model in selected health facilities in Lesotho. An explorative descriptive qualitative study was conducted among purposively selected 20 people living with HIV and 8 healthcare service providers at 3 healthcare facilities. Qualitative data were collected through face-to-face in-depth interviews using semi-structured interview guides. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used following an inductive approach and sub-themes and themes were developed. The CAG model was relevant and acceptable to most of the respondents. They felt that it provided support to people living with HIV, promoted good adherence to treatment, improved treatment access, reduced transport costs, saved time, and reduced stigma. Good retention, favorable clinical outcomes and decongestion of health facilities were identified as key achievements linked to the CAG model. Age, proximity to the health facilities, readiness to disclose positive HIV status, availability of a variety of differentiated service delivery models, family support, and the level of trust emerged as factors affecting the acceptability of the model. Conflicts arising among members of the groups compromised service delivery quality and insufficient resources emerged as challenges. The results confirmed that the Community ART Group model can deliver intended peer-led support to People Living with HIV, resulting in the achievement of favorable clinical outcomes. It is therefore recommendable to consider investing in this community-led model for a sustained HIV response in the country.

Citation

Tsehloane, S. L., & Nyangu, I. (2024). A Case Study on the Community ART Group Model of Care: Does It work for People Living with HIV and Healthcare Service Providers in Lesotho. American Journal of Nursing Science, 13(4), 77-85. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajns.20241304.12

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 17, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Jul 31, 2024
• Publication Date: 2024-08
• Deposit Date: Aug 1, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 1, 2024
• Print ISSN: 2328-5745
• Electronic ISSN: 2328-5753
• Publisher: Science Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 13
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 77-85
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajns.20241304.12
• Keywords: Perspectives; PLHIV; Healthcare Service Providers; Community ART Group Model; Health Facilities; Lesotho