Accessibility of ART in the farming community of OR Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape province

• 發表在: Health SA Gesondheid: Journal of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences
• Main Authors: Lorraine N. Mntonintshi-Mketo, Phillip Nhlanhla
• 格式: Article
• 語言: 南非荷兰语
• 出版: AOSIS 2024-12-01
• 主題: accessibility; anti-retroviral treatment; exploring; farming community; human immunodeficiency virus; farm worker; or tambo district.
• 在線閱讀: https://hsag.co.za/index.php/hsag/article/view/2701
• ISSN: 1025-9848; 2071-9736

Background: South Africa accounts for 14% of all new HIV infections representing the highest annual rate of new HIV infections globally. In addition, South Africa is home to 21% of the worldwide HIV burden, with 7.97 million people living with HIV. HIV not only affects the health of those living with the virus but also impacts their economic well-being. Aim: The study aimed to develop an in-depth understanding of the accessibility of anti-retroviral treatment in the farming communities of the OR Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape province. Setting: The study was conducted in two local municipalities of OR Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape province. Methods: A qualitative approach was used to explore and describe the accessibility of anti-retroviral treatment (ART) in the farming communities. Results: The study revealed that travelling long distances, transport costs, lack of transportation and traditional beliefs were the major barriers for farming communities to access ART. Conclusion: The findings of the study propose that poor access to ART in farming communities is linked to socio-cultural status, weak social support and limiting socioeconomic status. Contribution: The Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health’s management can use the study’s findings for recommendations to the National Department of Health management on how to improve HIV roll-out initiatives.