Published in:
01-04-2020 | Care | Original Paper
Perceptions of Community and Clinic-Based Adherence Clubs for Patients Stable on Antiretroviral Treatment: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors:
Mutsa Mudavanhu, Nora S. West, Sheree R. Schwartz, Lillian Mutunga, Valerie Keyser, Jean Bassett, Annelies Van Rie, Colleen F. Hanrahan
Published in:
AIDS and Behavior
|
Issue 4/2020
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Abstract
Adherence clubs for patients stable on antiretroviral treatment (ART) offer decongestion of clinics and task-shifting, improved adherence and retention in care. Findings on patient acceptability by club location (in the clinic vs. the community) are limited. This was a mixed-methods study set within a randomized controlled trial of community versus clinic-based adherence clubs for retention in care at Witkoppen Health and Welfare Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. Participants were surveyed on preferences for adherence club-based care (e.g. location, convenience). We conducted in-depth interviews (IDIs) with 36 participants, and surveyed 568 participants: 49% in community-based clubs and 51% in clinic-based clubs. Participants in both arms favorably rated adherence clubs. Almost all (95%) in clinic-based clubs would recommend them to a friend, while fewer (88% in community-based club participants would do so (p = 0.004). Participants found clubs promoted social support, and were convenient and time-saving, though concerns around stigma and access to other health care were noted within community-based clubs. Adherence clubs are a highly acceptable form of differentiated care for stable ART patients. These data indicate that clinic-based clubs may be preferred above community-based clubs, potentially for reasons of stigma and access to additional health care services.