Health Care Providers’ Perceptions About Overweight and Obesity Among People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Nigeria

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-24-2021

Publication Title

Qualitative Health Research

First page number:

1

Last page number:

11

Abstract

HIV infection was associated with significant weight loss before the advent of potent antiretroviral therapy (ART). Weight gain while on treatment was seen as a clinical indicator of treatment success. Perceptions of health care providers (HCPs) about obesity among people living with (PLHIV) were examined. We conducted 16 key informant interviews with HCPs in two states in southeastern Nigeria, which were then coded thematically. The respondents included seven physicians, four nurses, three adherence counselors, and two pharmacists. The analysis revealed three key themes: HCPs do not see excess weight gain as a problem; there are several challenges in managing obesity among PLHIV; and comorbidities play a role in the management of obesity among PLHIV. We conclude that obesity among PLHIV is an important clinical issue that HCPs need to address with the commencement of ART.

Keywords

ART; Health care providers; Key informant interviews; Nigeria; Obesity; PLHIV; Thematic analysis

Disciplines

Health and Medical Administration | International Public Health

Language

English

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