Patient-Led Peer Support Groups Improve Anti-Hypertensive Drugs Access For Adults Living With HIV And Hypertension In Rural Uganda – A Cross-Sectional Study

TL;DR

Peer support groups in rural Uganda helped people with HIV and hypertension access their medications more easily.

Contribution

The study shows patient-led peer groups can improve drug access for HIV-positive adults with hypertension in rural areas.

Findings

57% of participants in peer groups accessed anti-hypertensive drugs through the group.

Most participants found the peer group contributions affordable, with 79% paying $1.3 or less.

Peer support groups were seen as feasible and acceptable by participants.

Abstract

People living with HIV (PLHIV) often have poorly controlled hypertension due to medication non-adherence, primarily caused by limited access to antihypertensive drugs. Peer support groups are being explored to improve access. We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of peer support groups to improve access to anti-hypertensive drugs for PLHIV with hypertension.

From December 2022 to April 2023, we conducted a cross-sectional survey and measurement of blood pressure among PLHIV in 26 health facilities to assess the accessibility of anti-hypertensive drugs in the peer support groups. The collected data was summarized using descriptive statistics

Eight out of 26 health facilities formed peer support groups. Among 163 PLHIV interviewed only 64 participated in the peer support groups. Among those who participated in peer support groups 57% reported accessing anti-hypertensive drugs through the group. The peer support groups were affordable for most participants. Around 60% found the contributions manageable, with 79% contributing $1.3 or less. Most participants expressed confidence in the performance of the peer support groups.

The results of the study suggest that patient-led peer support groups are a feasible intervention to improve access to hypertensive medications for PLHIV with Hypertension.

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