AEGiS-15IAC: The effectiveness of home based care for PLWA in rural Uganda.

15th International AIDS Conference


Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

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The effectiveness of home based care for PLWA in rural Uganda.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. B10278)

Kalyesubula R, Bekunda R, Kibaalya W, Namubiru D, Haag A, Camilo M, Foex JM
Associatio Francois Xavier Bagnaud, Kampala, Uganda

DESCRIPTION: Uganda was one of the first countries in sub-Saharan Africa to experience the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS. Although the Ugandan government has taken important steps to control the epidemic, there still exist gaps in access to care and treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWA) in rural and undeserved areas in Uganda. AFXB Uganda initiated a home-based care program to improve the health status of PLWA in the Luweero district in September 2001. Three hundred and seven PLWA have been covered with direct support while 1,460 have benefited indirectly since the program begun. Mobile teams formed by 1 physician, 3 Social Workers, 1 Nurse Counselor with support from the community and community health workers conduct regular outreach clinics, home visits and a stationary clinic in the Luweero district. The health teams offer basic care and treatment to PLWA (including opportunistic infections) as well as education and counseling to their families on HIV/AIDS prevention and other health related issues. Patients with special medical needs are referred to health care centers for further management. Methodology: Interviews were conducted among 107 PLWAs and their families using semi-structured questionnaires in Luweero district to assess the effectiveness of home based care strategy by AFXB for PLWAs in the rural setting.

RESULTS: The survey revealed that 69% of the respondents stated having received some kind of care and support from the AFXB Uganda team. Sixty seven percent (67%) stated that the teams have improved their health; and 50% responded that they have been able to resume their normal duties because of the care they have received.

CONCLUSION: Home based care is an essential and feasible strategy to improve the health status of PLWA in rural settings and fills the gap of inaccessible health care services.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Africa South of the Sahara, HIV Infections, Uganda, Health Services, HIV Seropositivity, Counseling, Health, Community Health Aides, Home Care Services, Social Work, Data Collection, House Calls, Health Status, Humans

040711
B10278

Copyright © 2004 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.