Abstract

MHLANGA, Nongiwe L.  and  NETANGAHENI, Thinavhuyo R.. Interventions for type 2 diabetes reduction among older people living with HIV in Harare. SAFP [online]. 2024, vol.66, n.1, pp.1-12. ISSN 2078-6204.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/safp.v66i1.5827.

BACKGROUND: Interventions for type 2 diabetes reduction among older people aged more than 50 years living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are pertinent as they face excess risks amid a growing population of ageing people living with HIV (PLWH). This study aimed to describe interventions for type 2 diabetes reduction among older people living with HIV in Harare Urban District. The study was conducted in a low socioeconomic setting involving five primary health care clinics in Harare Urban District. METHODS: A qualitative multi-method approach was applied using an exploratory descriptive design and an integrative review literature. The exploratory descriptive study collected data from two purposively selected samples: (1) older PLWH and (2) nurses. Whittemore and Knafl's framework was used for the integrative literature review with articles from 2013 to 2023 selected. Data source triangulation was applied using Braun and Clark's content analysis framework. Ethical approval was obtained (14056739_CREC_CHS_2022. RESULTS: Twenty-three older PLWH with a mean age of 62 years, nine nurses with an average of 6 years' experience, and 12 articles comprised the three data sources. The study found that screening should be from younger ages than the general population with assessment of HIV and antiretroviral (ART) specific risks and a diagnostic test for type 2 diabetes at ART initiation and routinely. Health education should provide information on adequate physical activity parameters and increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. Metformin may be considered as a pharmacological intervention where lifestyle interventions fail. CONCLUSION: The proposed interventions suggest measures to reduce type 2 diabetes and mitigate excess risks faced by older PLWH. CONTRIBUTION: Improved screening, health education and pharmacological interventions for older PLWH in primary health care settings enable type 2 diabetes reduction.

Keywords : reduction; type 2 diabetes; older people living with HIV; interventions; Harare Urban District.

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