Acila Gloria Ketty, Aju Ijorea Noeline, Kabunga Amir, Angom Mercy Joy, Talemwa Sandra, Ayer Patrick, Auma Anna Grace
Department of Nursing, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda.
Department of Psychiatry, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda.
Biomed Res Int. 2025 Mar 19;2025:1903886. doi: 10.1155/bmri/1903886. eCollection 2025.
Despite progress in the HIV/AIDS response, marginalized populations persistently face unique challenges in accessing essential healthcare services, including antiretroviral therapy. The aim of this qualitative study is to explore and understand the lived experiences of individuals living with HIV and visual impairment in Lira District, Northern Uganda, specifically focusing on their access to antiretroviral therapy services. Additionally, the study is aimed at identifying and analyzing the coping strategies employed by this population in navigating the intersectionality of HIV and visual impairment. This qualitative study, conducted in Lira District, Northern Uganda, employed a descriptive phenomenological design. Thirty in-depth interviews were conducted at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, focusing on individuals living with both HIV and visual impairment. Data collection involved a semistructured interview guide, addressing key issues derived from a literature review. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis, guided by Braun and Clarke's framework. Participants ( = 30) exhibited diverse sociodemographic characteristics, with ages ranging from 19 to 68 years. A number of themes emerged during data analysis: individuals developing visual impairment before and after ART initiation. Emotional challenges, strained relationships, and perceived burdenship were common themes among participants. Limited understanding of the cause of sight loss and a heightened perceived risk of HIV infection were evident. Challenges in accessing ART services included transportation difficulties, negative attitudes from healthcare workers, and a lack of trust in community drug distribution points. Participants employed various coping strategies, including prayers/religion, reliance on social support networks, denial, acceptance, and community rehabilitation. Positive religious beliefs offered hope, while social support played a crucial role in adaptation. Community rehabilitation and support were highlighted as instrumental in aiding coping. Despite awareness about the risk of HIV infection, significant barriers persist in accessing ART services for persons with visual impairment. Coping strategies underscore the importance of addressing psychosocial aspects. Tailored interventions, education, and policy changes are imperative to enhance inclusivity and accessibility of healthcare services for this vulnerable population in Uganda.
尽管在应对艾滋病毒/艾滋病方面取得了进展，但边缘化人群在获得基本医疗服务（包括抗逆转录病毒疗法）方面仍然面临独特挑战。这项定性研究的目的是探索和了解乌干达北部利拉区感染艾滋病毒且有视力障碍的个人的生活经历，特别关注他们获得抗逆转录病毒疗法服务的情况。此外，该研究旨在识别和分析这一人群在应对艾滋病毒和视力障碍交叉问题时所采用的应对策略。这项在乌干达北部利拉区进行的定性研究采用了描述性现象学设计。在利拉地区转诊医院进行了30次深入访谈，重点是感染艾滋病毒且有视力障碍的个人。数据收集涉及一份半结构化访谈指南，涉及从文献综述中得出的关键问题。数据分析采用主题分析法，以布劳恩和克拉克的框架为指导。参与者（n = 30）呈现出多样的社会人口学特征，年龄在19岁至68岁之间。数据分析过程中出现了一些主题：在开始抗逆转录病毒治疗之前和之后出现视力障碍的个体。情绪挑战、紧张的人际关系和感知到的负担感是参与者中的常见主题。对视力丧失原因的理解有限以及对艾滋病毒感染的感知风险增加是明显的。获得抗逆转录病毒疗法服务的挑战包括交通困难、医护人员的负面态度以及对社区药品分发点缺乏信任。参与者采用了各种应对策略，包括祈祷/宗教、依赖社会支持网络、否认、接受和社区康复。积极的宗教信仰带来了希望，而社会支持在适应过程中发挥了关键作用。社区康复和支持被强调为有助于应对的重要因素。尽管了解艾滋病毒感染的风险，但视力障碍者在获得抗逆转录病毒疗法服务方面仍然存在重大障碍。应对策略强调了解决心理社会方面问题的重要性。量身定制的干预措施、教育和政策变革对于提高乌干达这一弱势群体获得医疗服务的包容性和可及性至关重要。
