Resumo

TOKWE, Lwandile; JORDAN, Portia J.  e  MODESTE, Regis R. Marie. Experiences of nurses in managing HIV and Tuberculosis in rural clinics, South Africa. Health SA Gesondheid (Online) [online]. 2025, vol.30, pp.1-11. ISSN 2071-9736.  https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v30i0.3162.

BACKGROUND: Globally, an estimated 40.8 million people were living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in 2024, with approximately 8.15 million reported in South Africa by 2025. Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) remains a prevalent opportunistic infection among people living with HIV. There is a paucity of research on the experiences of professional nurses in managing HIV and PTB co-infection. AIM: This study aimed to explore and describe the experiences of professional nurses in managing newly diagnosed patients living with HIV and PTB co-infection in the rural primary health care (PHC) clinics. SETTING: The research was conducted in Mthatha, Eastern Cape province, South Africa. METHODS: A qualitative research approach with an exploratory, descriptive and contextual design was used. Data were gathered from 11 professional nurses through semi-structured interviews, which were audio recorded, transcribed, and analysed using Tesch's eight-step method RESULTS: Three themes emerged, with Theme 1, exploring the roles of professional nurses in managing HIV and PTB co-infection. Theme 2, delved into the challenges experienced in managing this co-infection. Lastly, Theme 3 focused on the support structures that facilitated the care provision of patients. CONCLUSION: The HIV and PTB co-infection affects people globally. Tailored interventions are needed to support clinicians, especially professional nurses, in managing HIV and PTB co-infection and improving care for newly diagnosed patients. CONTRIBUTION: This study provides insights into the experiences of professional nurses in managing newly diagnosed patients living with HIV and PTB co-infection. It further expands the knowledge on health care interventions adopted by professional nurses to promote the health of these patients.

Palavras-chave : co-infection; HIV/pulmonary tuberculosis; primary health care; professional nurses; rural.

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