title: Mixed-Methods Evaluation of a Novel, Structured, Community-Based Support and Education Intervention for Individuals with HIV/AIDS in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
abstract: People living with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa face significant challenges accessing care. Community-based peer support groups can increase linkage to treatment, though the effectiveness of structured, scalable groups has not been demonstrated. This study aimed to measure the impact of the structured Integrated Access to Care and Treatment intervention on clients' knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding HIV/AIDS, including their experiences of stigma, in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Data collection involved pre-/post-tests and client interviews. Pre-/post-test data from 66 clients were collected. 17 participants were interviewed. Paired t-tests did not detect significant changes in the main outcomes. Qualitative results suggested a psychosocial benefit as participants connected with their peers, expressed themselves openly, and re-engaged with their communities. Unfortunately, this study did not quantitatively measure psychosocial changes, and the results have limited generalizability to men. I ACT may be an effective complement to clinic-based support services, though further study should quantify the psychosocial benefit.
authors.affiliation: Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Ninth and Jefferson Building, 13th Floor, 908 Jefferson Street, Box 359932, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA. kempc@uw.edu.
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kemp
authors.affiliation: PATH, 2201 Westlake Ave #200, Seattle, WA, 98121, USA.
authors.forename: Emily
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gerth-Guyette
authors.affiliation: SaveAct, 123 Jabu Ndlovu St, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, South Africa.
authors.forename: Lungile
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dube
authors.affiliation: Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Ninth and Jefferson Building, 13th Floor, 908 Jefferson Street, Box 359932, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.|Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, E3-300, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Andrasik
authors.affiliation: Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Ninth and Jefferson Building, 13th Floor, 908 Jefferson Street, Box 359932, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
authors.forename: Deepa
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rao
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D055118:Medication Adherence; D010379:Peer Group; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D057545:Social Stigma; D013019:South Africa
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents
keywords: Evaluation; HIV/AIDS; Mental health; South Africa; Support group