Investigating the antiretroviral adherence perceptions of registered nurses caring for prisoners diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Correctional Services South Africa

Abstract

Antiretroviral treatment adherence among prisoners diagnosed with HIV/AIDS disease has significant adverse effect that undermines the quality of life for individuals incarcerated in prisons. Therefore, registered nurses’ perceptions regarding prisoner’s adherence to ART is crucial to promote quality of lives. Ensuring sustained, optimal adherence to antiretroviral medication in correctional facilities remain healthcare priority. This paper investigates the registered nurses’ perceptions among prisoners diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Limpopo Province, Vhembe District. A qualitative, exploratory and descriptive research approach was utilized. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured telephone interviews conducted in English from 19 registered nurses. Purposive sampling method was used to select participants in Department of Correctional Services Management Area A and Management Area B facilities. Thematic analysis method was used to analyse the data. Three main themes and subthemes emerged: (1) Registered nurses’ perceptions of challenges with provision of sufficient meals and mealtimes (2) perceptions of prisoners being released and re-incarcerated (3) perceptions of prisoners transitioning between correctional service and South African Police Service (SAPS) facilities. Participants revealed significant non-adherence among incarcerated prisoners living with HIV/AIDS challenges within the prison facilities. Understanding registered nurses’ adherence perceptions for prisoners living with HIV/AIDS in the correctional facilities is crucial to achieve sufficient patient outcomes and to save lives for incarcerated people. The findings highlight urgent interventions regarding antiretroviral treatment adherence to enhance and sustain quality of life in correctional facilities.