Lived experiences of persons with disabilities living with HIV in accessing HIV services in Africa: a qualitative systematic review

Article

Philip, Aaron Akpu, King, Julie and Durham, Joanne. 2023. "Lived experiences of persons with disabilities living with HIV in accessing HIV services in Africa: a qualitative systematic review." Disability and Rehabilitation. 45 (6), pp. 937-949. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2022.2051079
Article Title

Lived experiences of persons with disabilities living with HIV in accessing HIV services in Africa: a qualitative systematic review

ERA Journal ID16035
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsPhilip, Aaron Akpu, King, Julie and Durham, Joanne
Journal TitleDisability and Rehabilitation
Journal Citation45 (6), pp. 937-949
Number of Pages13
Year2023
PublisherTaylor & Francis
Place of PublicationUnited Kingdom
ISSN0963-8288
1464-5165
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2022.2051079
Web Address (URL)https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09638288.2022.2051079
Abstract

Purpose
This qualitative review applies an intersectional lens to explore the lived experiences of persons with disabilities (PWDs) living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in accessing HIV services.

Methods
Using thematic analysis, the intersections relating to HIV, disability, gender, stigma, and poverty were explored.

Results
Three themes were identified from the analysis: (1) intersection of gender, HIV, and disability – “For a man, it is easier because we women have a lot to take care of at the home and would not have enough time to go get services”; (2) intersection of stigma, HIV, and disability – “…Look at that one. He’s disabled, at the same time HIV-positive. He doesn’t even feel sorry for himself … to die quietly at home”; (3) intersection of poverty, HIV, and disability – “…maybe you don’t even have money to buy food and if you’re on medication you need to eat frequently”. The findings highlighted how stigma, poverty, and gender collide in a hierarchy of identities to impede accessibility to HIV services.

Conclusions
Researchers and programme implementers should note the intersecting issues of marginalisation that influence inequities in access to HIV services for PWDs living with HIV. National Strategic Plans should address these specific barriers to ensure accessibility for this marginalised population.

KeywordsHIV; Disability; Intersectionality; Access; HIV services; Persons with disability living with HIV
Contains Sensitive ContentDoes not contain sensitive content
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020420318. People with disability
Public Notes

The accessible file is the accepted version of the paper. Please refer to the URL for the published version.

Byline AffiliationsQueensland University of Technology
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