Leveraging HIV Programming to Enhance Access to Noncommunicable Disease Care in Southern Botswana. (January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Reid, Michael J. A.; Haas, Michelle K.; Sedigeng, Pinkie; Ramogola-Masire, Doreen; Friedman, Harvey M.; Ho-Foster, Ari
• Is Part Of: Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care. Volume 15:Number 1(2016:Jan./Feb.)
• Page Start: 7
• Page End: 10
• Publication Date: 2016-01
• Subjects: HIV -- noncommunicable diseases -- PEPFAR -- sub-Saharan Africa; AIDS (Disease) -- Periodicals; 616.9792
• DOI: 10.1177/2325957415569310
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2325-9574

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess whether HIV programming in southern Botswana could be leveraged to provide care for patients with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed to determine the spectrum and complexity of NCDs seen by HIV-focused outreach programming delivered between July 2011 and December 2013, to 9 facilities in southern Botswana. The association of HIV status and specific International Classification of Disease codes was examined using bivariate analysis. Results: Outreach HIV physicians recorded 926 outpatient consults involving 835 patients during the studied period. While 25% (n = 209) of patients seen were HIV infected, most patients were either HIV negative (49%, n = 410) or had an unknown HIV status (26%, n = 216). Noncommunicable disease referrals were as common at primary- and district-level facilities (90% [n = 459] versus 93% [n = 301]; P = .22). Conclusion: This study demonstrates how HIV programming in Botswana can be leveraged to improve access to specialist medical services for patients with NCDs.