Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40964138›Full record

ArticleHIV/AIDS (Auckland, N.Z.)2025

Perceptions, Challenges and Barriers to HIV Care in Mbujimayi in the East Kasai Province, DR Congo: A Qualitative Study.

Désiré Baloji, Georges Ntambwe, Alix Kamina Ntambua, William Kidinda, Marie Benoit Kazadi, Alain Mpanya, Bertin Mukuna, Laetitia Ngongo, Criss Koba Mjumbe, André Mutombo K and 1 more

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in HIV/AIDS (Auckland, N.Z.), 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

11 authors.

Désiré BalojiFaculty of Public Health, Mbujimayi Official University, Mbujimayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.ORCID 0009-0001-9934-8597
Georges NtambweFaculty of Public Health, Mbujimayi Official University, Mbujimayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Alix Kamina NtambuaFaculty of Public Health, Mbujimayi Official University, Mbujimayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
William KidindaFaculty of Public Health, Mbujimayi Official University, Mbujimayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Marie Benoit KazadiFaculty of Public Health, Mbujimayi Official University, Mbujimayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Alain MpanyaCommunity Health Section, Higher Institute of Medical Techniques of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Bertin MukunaDepartment of Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, National Pedagogical University, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Laetitia NgongoDepartment of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Criss Koba MjumbeDepartment of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.ORCID 0000-0002-6088-2629
André Mutombo KDepartment of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mbujimayi Official University, Mbujimayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Pascal LutumbaDepartment of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.ORCID 0009-0002-0125-9674

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: This study was carried out in East Kasai Province, DR Congo, to explore the perceptions, challenges, and barriers associated with HIV/AIDS care. The aim was to understand perceptions of HIV/AIDS, identify barriers, and analyze the factors influencing the effectiveness of care. Methodology: This study involved semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals and focus group discussions with PLWHA. Results: Several contrasting perceptions of HIV/AIDS were revealed, ranging from disease stigma to some acceptance of antiretroviral treatments, although hesitation remains among the population due to cultural beliefs and misinformation. The main challenges identified include dietary problems, side effects, drop-outs, failure to keep appointments, superstition and uninformed travel of patients. Patients often have difficulty gaining access to healthcare facilities because of distance, transport costs, and a lack of financial means. In addition, drug shortages in health facilities exacerbate the situation. Sociocultural barriers also play a major role. Stigma and discrimination against PLWHA are still visible, and these negative attitudes can dissuade individuals from being tested, adhering or adhering to treatment. In addition, superstitions and myths about treatment fuel mistrust and hesitation toward treatment. Healthcare providers face difficulties in managing patients due to limited resources and a lack of ongoing training on new therapeutic approaches. Conclusion: This study highlights the many challenges that need to be overcome to improve HIV/AIDS care, particularly in terms of accessing care and combating stigma. To improve the effectiveness of health programs, an integrated multisectoral approach involving communities, health authorities and international partners is crucial. This will help overcome existing barriers and ensure equitable access to care while reducing the impact of HIV/AIDS.

Indexed as

barrierscarechallengesHIVperceptions

Identifiers

PMID40964138
PMCPMC12439831

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.