Abstract: Background: The impact of COVID-19 on people living with HIV (PLWH) is particularly concerning due to their existing health vulnerabilities. The low uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine and the failure to achieve herd immunity highlight the need to address vaccine hesitancy, especially in developing countries battling multiple infectious diseases. Objective: This study aimed to determine the relationship between COVID-19 vaccine risk perception and vaccine hesitancy among PLWH. Materials and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional design was used, involving 348 participants from Parirenyatwa Centre of Excellence, recruited via systematic random sampling. Data collection, following ethical approval, was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. The data were categorized into structure, process, and outcome, and analyzed with SPSS version 22. Results: The study found that 79.9% of PLWH perceived a risk in taking the COVID-19 vaccine. About 55% had moderate knowledge of COVID-19, and 48.4% of those vaccinated had completed the vaccine course, with 43.2% receiving two doses and 7.2% only one dose. Motivations for vaccination included accessing services, travel compliance, work allowances, and entry permissions. Vaccine hesitancy was evident in 56% of participants, who were also unlikely to recommend vaccination to others. A positive correlation (r=0.159, p<0.03) was observed between vaccine risk perception and hesitancy. Barriers included fear of long waits, vaccine safety concerns, and insufficient information. Conclusions: The study demonstrated a significant positive correlation between vaccine risk perception and hesitancy among PLWH. It underscores the necessity of tailored vaccination messages addressing the specific concerns of PLWH and the need for increased governmental investment in awareness campaigns to achieve 75% herd immunity.
Abstract: Background: The impact of COVID-19 on people living with HIV (PLWH) is particularly concerning due to their existing health vulnerabilities. The low uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine and the failure to achieve herd immunity highlight the need to address vaccine hesitancy, especially in developing countries battling multiple infectious diseases. Object...Show More
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.
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 heal...Show More
Abstract: Background: Documentation is crucial for evidence-based nursing. Proper documentation ensures effective communication and quality patient care, while poor documentation compromises care. This study compared structural and process factors affecting documentation quality and patient outcomes in private and public labor wards at Parirenyatwa Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Hospital (MNMH). Methods: A multiple methods approach was used. A total of 177 records were assessed for quality documentation, and 10 midwives were observed on practice documentation. Additionally, 116 interviews were conducted with midwives to elicit information on documentation practices. Data was collected and quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version (SPSS version 20). Qualitative data was manually analysed and thematic analysis was used to generate codes and themes. Quantitative data was presented in tables, graphs, as frequencies and percentages while qualitative data was presented in narrative form. Results: With regards to structural factors, being in a public labour ward was significantly associated with increased the likelihood of higher nurse to patient ratio compared to being in a private labour ward (p=0.002). No process indicator was significantly associated with the type of labour. Those in the public labour ward were more likely to have complications and admitted in (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) NICU (p=0.008). Conclusion: The study determined that there was poor documentation practice in both public and private labour wards. Though there was a high level of awareness of critical aspects of labour to document and the importance of documentation by midwives from both wards, this did not necessarily translate to practice. There is a need to also formulate standard operating protocols and guidelines to guide and standardize documentation at MNMH.
Abstract: Background: Documentation is crucial for evidence-based nursing. Proper documentation ensures effective communication and quality patient care, while poor documentation compromises care. This study compared structural and process factors affecting documentation quality and patient outcomes in private and public labor wards at Parirenyatwa Mbuya Neh...Show More