Challenges in the referral and linkage to care service for newly diagnosed HIV individuals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Referral and linkage to care scheme for people newly diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) ensures continuity of care and consequently, improved quality of life. In Ethiopia, the Federal Ministry of Health designed guidelines to facilitate the referral and linkage system and to improve the management, care and treatment of HIV in the country. This study describes the challenges experienced by healthcare professionals and providers in the referral and linkage of newly diagnosed HIV clients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A qualitative, descriptive design was used. Participants included purposively selected healthcare professionals and service providers involved in HIV referral and linkage process. Three focus group discussions with twenty four participants (eight per group) were used to collect data. The discussions were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed manually following open and focused coding methods. Four main themes were derived from the data and classified as follows: challenges related to understanding of the concept of referral and linkage, HIV care protocol and communication, services and resources, and social stigma. Public health policy makers and managers need to strengthen the linkage and referral system for the newly diagnosed HIV clients in order to improve the continuity of care for people living with HIV.

Keywords: Challenges, continuity of care, linkage and referral system, newly diagnosed HIV positive client.