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- Title
Facilitators and barriers to linkage to HIV care and treatment among female sex workers in a community-based HIV prevention intervention in Tanzania: A qualitative study.
- Authors
Nyato, Daniel; Nnko, Soori; Komba, Albert; Kuringe, Evodius; Plotkin, Marya; Mbita, Gaspar; Shao, Amani; Changalucha, John; Wambura, Mwita
- Abstract
Background: HIV-infected female sex workers (FSWs) have poor linkage to HIV care in sub-Sahara Africa. Methods: We conducted 21 participatory group discussions (PGDs) to explore factors influencing linkage to HIV care among FSWs tested for HIV through a comprehensive community-based HIV prevention project in Tanzania. Results: Influences on linkage to care were present at the system, societal and individual levels. System-level factors included unfriendly service delivery environment, including lengthy pre-enrolment sessions, concerns about confidentiality, stigmatising attitudes of health providers. Societal-level factors included myths and misconceptions about ART and stigma. On the individual level, most notable was fear of not being able to continue to have a livelihood if one's status were to be known. Facilitators were noted, including the availability of transport to services, friendly health care providers and peer-support referral and networks. Conclusion: Findings of this study underscore the importance of peer-supported linkages to HIV care and the need for respectful, high-quality care.
- Subjects
TANZANIA; SAHARA; HIV prevention; SEX workers; HIV-positive children; MEDICAL personnel; HIV; HEALTH attitudes; QUALITATIVE research
- Publication
PLoS ONE, 2019, Vol 14, Issue 11, p1
- ISSN
1932-6203
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1371/journal.pone.0219032