Factors hindering integration of care for non-communicable diseases within HIV care services in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: The perspectives of health workers and people living with HIV

BACKGROUND: Global mortality attributable to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) occurs in more than 36 million people annually with 80% of these deaths occurring in resource limited countries. Among people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHA) studies have reported higher prevalence’s of NCDs compared to the general population but most studies do report a narrow range of NCDs commonly hypertension, diabetes and neoplasms and not all. In addition, there is limited reporting, integration of systematic screening and treatment for all NCDs among PLHA attending care, suggesting the NCD burden among PLHA is likely an underestimate. Little is known about factors facilitating or hindering integration of the care and treatment of NCDs within HIV care and treatment clinics (CTCs) in Tanzania. OBJECTIVE: To explore the perceptions of PLHA and health workers on factors facilitate or hinder the recognition and integration of care for NCDs within CTCs in Dar es Salaam. METHODS: Inductive content analysis of transcripts from 41 in-depth interviews were conducted with 5 CTC managers (CTC Managers), 9 healthcare providers (DHCP) and 27 people living with HIV (PLHA) attending CTCs and with co-morbid NCDs. RESULTS: Four themes emerged; the current situation of services available for care and treatment of NCDs among PLHA in CTCs, experiences of PLHA with co-morbid NCDs with access to care and treatment services for NCDs, facilitators of integrating care and treatment of NCDs within CTCs and perceived barriers for accessing and integration of care and treatment of NCDs within CTCs. CONCLUSIONS: There was a positive attitude among PLHA and healthcare workers towards integration of NCD services within CTC services. This was enhanced by perceived benefits inherent to the services. Factors hindering integration of NCD care and services included; limited and inconsistent supplies such as screening equipment, medications; insufficient awareness of NCDs within PLHA; lack of adequate training of healthcare workers on management of NCD and treatment costs and payment systems.