Perceptions of dolutegravir-based regimen use among people living with HIV in Limpopo province: A qualitative study.
Zandile R Sibeko, Boitumelo J Molato, Salaminah S P Moloko-Phiri
PMID 41773414WHAT IT FOUND
People living with HIV in Limpopo mostly accepted the tenofovir, lamivudine and dolutegravir regimen because they found it tolerable and reported more strength, energy, appetite.
Many did not know it was their new regimen. Missed doses were linked to alcohol or work, not side effects.
Key findings
01Most participants accepted the tenofovir, lamivudine and dolutegravir regimen because they perceived enhanced strength, energy and appetite and found it tolerable.
02Most participants knew taking treatment was important, but many lacked specific knowledge about the tenofovir, lamivudine and dolutegravir regimen and did not know their previous regimen had changed.
03A few participants reported non-adherence linked to alcohol use and work schedules, not side effects of the regimen.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The study included only 20 participants from three clinics in one sub-district of Limpopo province, so the findings may not apply elsewhere. Participants were adults who had been on a tenofovir, lamivudine and dolutegravir regimen for at least 6 months and were present at clinics, so patients who stopped treatment early or could not attend may not be represented. The findings were self-reported perceptions, so participants may have said what they thought was expected. Qualitative interviews can describe what patients think and experience, but they cannot show that the regimen caused appetite, strength, adherence or side-effect outcomes.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read this as proof the tenofovir, lamivudine and dolutegravir regimen improves appetite, strength or adherence. The study reports what patients said they perceived, not measured clinical outcomes, cannot establish cause, and did not separate the contribution of any single component.