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
Repository Citation
Olawepo, J.,
Pharr, J.,
Kabir, R.,
Olutola, A.
(2021).
Health Care Providers’ Perceptions About Overweight and Obesity Among People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Nigeria.
Qualitative Health Research
1-11.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/10497323211023164