Resumo

MNTONINTSHI-MKETO, Lorraine N.  e  NHLANHLA, Phillip. Accessibility of ART in the farming community of OR Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape province. Health SA Gesondheid (Online) [online]. 2024, vol.29, pp.1-12. ISSN 2071-9736.  https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v29i0.2701.

BACKGROUND: South Africa accounts for 14% of all new HIV infections representing the highest annual rate of new HIV infections globally. In addition, South Africa is home to 21% of the worldwide HIV burden, with 7.97 million people living with HIV. HIV not only affects the health of those living with the virus but also impacts their economic well-being. AIM: The study aimed to develop an in-depth understanding of the accessibility of anti-retroviral treatment in the farming communities of the OR Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape province. SETTING: The study was conducted in two local municipalities of OR Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape province. METHODS: A qualitative approach was used to explore and describe the accessibility of anti-retroviral treatment (ART) in the farming communities. RESULTS: The study revealed that travelling long distances, transport costs, lack of transportation and traditional beliefs were the major barriers for farming communities to access ART. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study propose that poor access to ART in farming communities is linked to socio-cultural status, weak social support and limiting socioeconomic status. CONTRIBUTION: The Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health's management can use the study's findings for recommendations to the National Department of Health management on how to improve HIV roll-out initiatives.

Palavras-chave : accessibility; anti-retroviral treatment; exploring; farming community; human immunodeficiency virus; farm worker; OR Tambo District.

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