Provision of Isoniazid Preventive Therapy: The Experiences of People Living with HIV

Abstract

Isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) is a strategy that has been proposed by the National Department of Health of South Africa and the World Health Organization for people living with HIV (PLWH) to prevent latent tuberculosis (TB) progressing to active TB. This research focused on exploring and describing experiences of PLWH regarding IPT provision in the Ngaka Modiri Molema district in the North West province of South Africa. A qualitative, exploratory, contextual and descriptive research design was used for this study. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted to collect data from PLWH. The sample size consisted of 14 participants and data saturation was reached at participant 11. A thematic data analysis was employed in this study. The study consisted of 10 female participants and 4 male participants. Three main themes emerged during interviews, namely factors that facilitate IPT provision and uptake, factors that inhibit the adherence of patients to IPT, and strategies to improve provision or adherence. The provision of IPT at a community health centre in Ngaka Modiri Molema district municipality was reported to be satisfactorily although challenges were also marked. IPT must be available at all times to ensure the promotion of PLWH adherence, continuity of care and retention in HIV care. In addition, screening of PLWH for active TB disease before they can be initiated should be a priority. PLWH should be supported and followed up through the directly observed treatment, short-course strategy to promote adherence and this can also be facilitated through adherence social clubs.