Health Service Intervention: The Case of (ART) For HIV / AIDS Patients in Addis Ababa
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Date
2010-07
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Addis Abeba university
Abstract
The objective of this study is to assess the health service intervention through
Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) for HIVIAIDS patients in Addis Ababa. It attempts to
identifY and examine the major constraints to the implementation of ART program.
Although it was proved that the introduction of ART has improved the lives of HIV
positive people and the awareness of using ART has increased in the society, this study
both at the sub-city level and from the perspective of the patients indicates that the
implementation is encountered with various challenges. While the introduction of ART
greatly contributes to the survival of the lives of HIV positive people, the various
implementation constraints aggravate the problem alongside longevity and quality of life.
For the study, three health centers Kasanchis, Meshualekia and Kirkos health centers in
Kirkos sub-city Addis Ababa were selected Qualitative data collection was conducted
through semi structured interview with HIV positive patients and nurses; key informant
interviews with the Sub-city officials, ART coordinators, HIVIAIDS Adherence Team; and
direct observations.
Quantitative data are collected through survey method Structured questionnaire is
administered to collect data related to initiating the ARV drug, ART adherence, treating
Opportunistic Infections (DIs), receiving economic and psychosocial support, stigma
issues and patients' responsibilities.
The findings of the study have shown that there is a strong sense of responsibility and
Willingness on the side of health workers. They are also committed to help HIV patients
to achieve quality life with the capacity of the health center. Despite all the necessary
effort extended from the health workers, there are socio-economic challenges faced by
clients.
The health center with its effort create link with the local Kebele and other community
groups for nutritional and economic support. Meanwhile, it is insufficient as compared
with the number of unproductive patients and the level of poverty. In addition, the fear of
stigma has made clients not to expose themselves to any community groups to receive
psychosocial, economic and spiritual support.
In conclusion, the study has identified a number of problems in the determinants. The
majority of the identified problems circle around socio-economic factors. However, in
manipulating the various interventions, the relation among the determinants and the
effect of one to the other should be anticipated
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Keywords
HIV / AIDS Patients in Addis Ababa