Mixed methods assessment of an integrated hypertension and HIV care model: Acceptability, feasibility, and clinical outcomes at primary healthcare clinics in Wakiso District, Uganda.
| Title: | Mixed methods assessment of an integrated hypertension and HIV care model: Acceptability, feasibility, and clinical outcomes at primary healthcare clinics in Wakiso District, Uganda. |
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| Authors: | Semitala FC; Department of Internal Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.; Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda.; Makerere University Joint AIDS Program, Kampala, Uganda.; Kiggundu JB; Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda.; Giibwa L; Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda.; Ayebare F; Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda.; Ssinabulya I; Division of Adult Cardiology, Uganda Heart Institute, Kampala, Uganda.; Uganda Initiative for Integrated Management of Non-Communicable Diseases, Kampala, Uganda.; Schwartz JI; Uganda Initiative for Integrated Management of Non-Communicable Diseases, Kampala, Uganda.; Department of General Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, United States of America.; Spiegelman D; Department of Biostatistics and Center for Methods on Implementation and Prevention Science (CMIPS), Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, United States of America.; Muddu M; Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda.; Katahoire AR; Child Health and Development Centre, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.; Longenecker CT; Division of Cardiology, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, United States of America. |
| Source: | Journal of public health in Africa [J Public Health Afr] 2026 Jan 13; Vol. 17, pp. 1539. Date of Electronic Publication: 2026 Jan 13 (Print Publication: 2026). |
| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English |
| Journal Info: | Publisher: AOSIS Publishing Country of Publication: South Africa NLM ID: 101586943 Publication Model: eCollection Cited Medium: Print ISSN: 2038-9922 (Print) Linking ISSN: 20389922 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Public Health Afr Subsets: PubMed not MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Publication: Durbanville, Cape Town, South Africa : AOSIS Publishing; Original Publication: Pavia, Italy : PAGEPress |
| Abstract: | Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends integrating hypertension and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care; however, evidence for implementing integrated care in primary healthcare (PHC) HIV clinics remains limited.; Aim: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a pilot model for integrating hypertension care into HIV services and to describe the hypertension care cascade among people living with HIV (PLHIV) and hypertension.; Setting: Two PHC HIV clinics in Wakiso district, Uganda.; Methods: We conducted a parallel convergent mixed methods study. The pilot intervention included providing blood pressure (BP) cuffs, antihypertensive medications, a treatment algorithm and training healthcare provider (HCP) on hypertension care. Quantitative data were collected from February 2022 to December 2022. Using the consolidated framework for implementation research, we conducted interviews with HCPs (n = 12) and PLHIV with hypertension (n = 8) to explore implementation determinants. We performed descriptive analysis for hypertension care cascades. Qualitative data identified barriers and facilitators to integrating HIV and hypertension care.; Results: Of 3802 PLHIV in care, 3502 (92%) were screened for hypertension. Among these, 290 (8.3%) had a chart diagnosis of hypertension, 282 (97.2%) were treated and 128 (50.2%) achieved BP control. Key facilitators included access to medications, BP monitors and improved provider knowledge on management of BP among PLHIV. Barriers included unsynchronised clinic visits and increased provider workload.; Conclusion: Integrating hypertension and HIV services in Ugandan HIV clinics is feasible and acceptable. Availability of resources (BP medications and monitors) and trained personnel facilitates integration of these services.; Contribution: This pilot study provides evidence that integrating hypertension care into existing PHC HIV in Uganda and other similar settings is both feasible and acceptable but may necessitate additional human resources for health.; (© 2026. The Authors.) |
| Competing Interests: | The author reported that they received funding from the NHLBI of the US National Institutes of Health, which may be affected by the research reported in the enclosed publication. The author has disclosed those interests fully and has implemented an approved plan for managing any potential conflicts arising from their involvement. The terms of these funding arrangements have been reviewed and approved by the affiliated university in accordance with its policy on objectivity in research. |
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| Contributed Indexing: | Keywords: HIV; hypertension; implementation; integrated care; people living with HIV |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20260206 Date Completed: 20260206 Latest Revision: 20260208 |
| Update Code: | 20260208 |
| PubMed Central ID: | PMC12869529 |
| DOI: | 10.4102/jphia.v17i1.1539 |
| PMID: | 41646509 |
| Database: | MEDLINE |
Journal Article