Knowledge, Beliefs, and Health Care Practices Relating to Treatment of HIV in Vellore, India

被引:17
作者
Chomat, Anne Marie Belz [1 ]
Wilson, Ira B. [2 ]
Wanke, Christine A. [1 ]
Selvakumar, A. [3 ]
John, K. R. [3 ]
Isaac, Rita [3 ]
机构
[1] Tufts Med Ctr, Dept Geog Med & Infect Dis, Nutr Infect Unit, Jaharis 2nd Floor,150 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111 USA
[2] Tufts Med Ctr, Inst Clin Res & Hlth Policy Studies, Boston, MA 02111 USA
[3] Christian Med Coll & Hosp, Rural Unit Hlth Social Affairs, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
关键词
ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE USE; ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY; HERBAL MEDICINES; COMPLEMENTARY; PHARMACOKINETICS; INDINAVIR; PRIVATE; PLANTS; PRACTITIONERS; TUBERCULOSIS;
D O I
10.1089/apc.2008.0222
中图分类号
R1 [预防医学、卫生学];
学科分类号
1004 ; 120402 ;
摘要
In India, little is known about health care-seeking behavior among HIV-infected individuals. Similarly, little is known about how HIV is being treated in the community, in particular by Indian Systems of Medicine (ISM) providers. Therefore, while ART implementation programs continue to expand, it is important to determine whether the knowledge, attitudes, and treatment practices of HIV-infected individuals and their health care providers are aligned with current treatment recommendations. We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with persons with HIV (n = 9 men and 17 women), family members of persons with HIV (n = 14 men and 3 women), and ISM providers (n = 7). Many of the patients we studied turned at some point to ISM providers because they believed that such practitioners offer a cure for HIV. ISM treatments sometimes had negative impacts including side effects, unchecked progression of an underlying illness, and financial depletion. Indian women tended to be less knowledgeable about HIV and HIV treatments, and had less access to financial and other resources, than men. Finally, most of the ISM providers reported dangerous misconceptions about HIV transmission, diagnosis, and treatment. While the existence of ART in India is potentially of great benefit to those with HIV infection, this study shows that a variety of social, cultural and governmental barriers may interfere with the effective use of these therapies. Partnerships between the allopathic and traditional/complementary health sectors in research, policy, and practice are essential in building comprehensive HIV/AIDS treatment strategies.
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页码:477 / 484
页数:8
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