User - provider perspectives to overcome the challenges of TB/HIV service integration at Mulago National Referral Hospital _ Kampala.

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa have been closely related and persistent, proving a considerable burden for healthcare provision. This has complicated utilization of services, with noted opinions on the integration of these services from both users and providers of the services.

OBJECTIVES

To establish the users and the provider's perspectives in overcoming the challenges of TB/HIV services integration at Mulago National Referral Hospital.

METHODS

Descriptive cross-sectional design, with predominantly qualitative methods was used. Qualitative aspect adopted phenomenological design. Participants were randomly selected for FGDs and Key informants. An observation checklist collected quantitative data from the patients to measure level of services integration.

FINDINGS

Level of service integration of TB/HIV services was at 68% (below the acceptable 100% level). Opinions from the users pointed to; increasing number of work-days for TB/HIV service provision, strengthening sensitisation and health education and integrating other services like reproductive health services, among others. Health care providers opinions pointed to increasing trainings for health workers, increasing staffing and need for more support from Ministry of Health.

CONCLUSION

Opinions from both users and providers were similar. These ranged from increasing awareness to the users and healthcare providers about the integration of services.