Acceptability of Teleconsultation Services for HIV Care in Nigeria: A Mixed Methods Study.

Iliyasu, Bilkisu Z.; Iliyasu, Zubairu; Kwaku, Aminatu A.; Sani, Abdullahi; Nass, Nafisa S.; Amole, Taiwo G.; Abdullahi, Hadiza M.; Abdullahi, Amina U.; Tsiga-Ahmed, Fatimah I.; Jibo, Abubakar M.; Bashir, Humayra A.; Salihu, Hamisu M.; Aliyu, Muktar H.

Introduction: Access to HIV care remains challenging, especially for patients living in remote areas, despite advances in antiretroviral treatment. The acceptability of teleconsultations for routine HIV care post-COVID is not well-explored. We explored factors influencing teleconsultation acceptability among people living with HIV (PLWH) and attending a tertiary care center in Kano, Nigeria. Methods: We used a cross-sectional mixed methods study design. Structured questionnaires were administered to 415 PLWH, supplemented by in-depth interviews with a subsample (n = 20). Logistic regression models and thematic analysis were used for data analyses. Results: Of 415 respondents, 55.7% (n = 231) expressed willingness for teleconsultations. Primary motivations included convenience/efficiency (46.7%, n = 194), elimination of travel expenses (31.8%, n = 132), and remote access to specialist care (17.3%, n = 72). Reasons for reluctance included distrust of technology (61.9%, n = 260) and privacy concerns (37.1%, n = 156). Acceptance was higher among males (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) =1.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.12–3.72), participants with at least secondary education (aOR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.27–4.97), monthly income ≥30,000 Naira (aOR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.21–7.31), currently married (aOR = 3.26, 95% CI = 1.16–5.65), and participants without comorbidities (aOR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.18–4.24). PLWH who self-assessed as being in good health (aOR = 3.77, 95% CI = 1.44–9.94), used the internet regularly (aOR = 3.12, 95% CI = 2.17–5.37), or were aware of telemedicine (aOR = 3.24, 95% CI = 2.45–7.68) were also more accepting of telehealth services. Themes highlighted the need to offer teleconsultation as an optional service. Conclusion: Teleconsultation acceptance among PLWH was influenced by sociodemographic, clinical, and technology-related factors. Successful integration of teleconsultation services for PLWH in similar settings necessitates targeted educational interventions and assessment of organizational readiness.

NIGERIA; HIV-positive persons; ANTIRETROVIRAL agents; THEMATIC analysis; ODDS ratio; LOGISTIC regression analysis

Telemedicine & e-Health, 2025, Vol 31, Issue 1, p94

1530-5627

Academic Journal

10.1089/tmj.2024.0196