Perception of Health Workers on the Integration of Mental Health Care with HIV Services in Primary Health Care Centres in Ogun East Senatorial District, Nigeria: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: People Living with HIV/AIDS have an increased incidence of mental health disorders as compared to the general population, and there exists an enormous gap between the demand and supply of mental health services, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Aim/Objective: This study aimed to assess the association between HIV and mental health and the knowledge and perception of health workers on their integration in Primary Health Care Services in Ogun East Senatorial District, Nigeria

Methodology: Four Focused Group Discussions were conducted among 27 PHC workers in Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART)-enabled centres of Ogun East senatorial district, Nigeria using a focused group guide designed according to study objectives. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach.

Result: Six important themes were extracted from the data in this study (Table 2); “Integration of PHC services”, “Multiple mental/psychological health challenges”, “Multiple factors as causes of mental illness”, “Diverse manifestations of mental illness”, “Necessity of incorporating HIV and Mental Healthcare into PHC services”, and “Challenges of incorporating HIV and Mental Healthcare into PHC services.”

Conclusion and Recommendation: The primary health workers identified the need to integrate mental health care into HIV care in PHCs. However, there is a need to scale up the capacity of PHCs for optimal performance in this regard.