The lived experiences of Ugandan community health workers engaged in prevention of vertical transmission of HIV and a capacity-building intervention.
Document Type
Article
Department
Paediatrics and Child Health (East Africa)
Abstract
Objective: To explore the lived experiences of community health workers (CHW) engaged in efforts toward the elimination of vertical transmission (EVT) of HIV and to assess the impact of a capacity-building training intervention.
Design: The study consisted of: (1) a qualitative assessment of lived experiences of CHWs; (2) a capacity-building training intervention responsive to identified needs; and (3) assessment of the training intervention using pre- and post-intervention questionnaires.
Methods: Focus group discussions (FGD) and semi-structured key informant interviews (KII) in addition to CHW training sessions for HIV/EVT were held in one rural and one semi-urban setting in Uganda, based on training materials developed by the WHO and USAID. We used standardized pre- and post-intervention questionnaires to assess comprehensive knowledge and accepting attitudes toward HIV.
Results: Qualitative exploration of the lived experience of 152 CHWs in ten FGDs and four KIIs revealed several themes: (1) CHWs as bridges between health system and community; (2) CHW assets (tacit knowledge and shared social networks); (3) CHW challenges (stigma, secrecy, and ethical quandaries); (4) favorable community reception; and (5) need for continuing education and reinforcement of skills. In response to identified needs, a capacity-building intervention was designed and implemented with 143 CHWs participating in 10 sessions. The proportion of participants with comprehensive knowledge of HIV increased from 45% to 61% (p=0.006) and the proportion endorsing accepting attitudes increased from 63% to 76% (p=0.013).
Conclusion: CHWs are potentially valuable players in global EVT efforts. Ongoing training is needed to support community-level initiatives.
Publication (Name of Journal)
JAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1097/QAI.0000000000003649
Recommended Citation
Victor, M.,
Hannah, B.,
Sophie, N.,
Opoka, R.,
Michael, H.
(2025). The lived experiences of Ugandan community health workers engaged in prevention of vertical transmission of HIV and a capacity-building intervention.. JAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/eastafrica_fhs_mc_paediatr_child_health/568
