"It's only fatness, it doesn't kill": a qualitative study on perceptions of weight gain from use of dolutegravir-based regimens in women living with HIV in Uganda.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Dolutegravir (DTG)-based regimens have been recommended by the WHO as the preferred first-line and second-line HIV treatment in all populations. Evidence suggests an association with weight gain, particularly among black women. Our study investigated perceptions of weight gain from DTG-based regimen use on body image and adherence of antiretroviral therapy in women living with HIV (WLHIV) in Uganda.

Methods

Between April and June 2021, we conducted semi-structured interviews involving 25 WLHIV (adolescents, women of reproductive potential and post-menopausal women) and 19 healthcare professionals (clinicians, nurses, ART managers and counsellors) purposively selected from HIV clinics in Kampala. The interviews explored perceptions of body weight and image; experie

SUBMITTER: Alhassan Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9210809 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature