Factor affecting the use of home based care services among male hiv positive individuals in bagamoyo district-coast region, Tanzania

This study explores factors affecting the use of home Based Care (HBC) services among male individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Bagamaoyo district in Coast region. Specifically, this study aimed at exploring, individuals, social, cultural, economic, and health system factors that affect the use of HBC services among male PLHAs in Bagamoyo District, Tanzania. Exploratory qualitative research design was employed using two methods of data generation, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and an In-depth Interviews (IDI). The study participants for FGD were recruited from monthly HBC data review and collection meeting; while study participants for IDIs were purposively and conveniently selected. The study findings show that economic factors, masculinity, superiority nature and behavior of men, inadequate health system with unskilled HBC providers, HBC benefits/packages as well as polygamous culture are the key barriers that affect the use of HBC services among male PLAHs. This study recommends that, health system should be strengthened, and the referral system should be well integrated with HBC services so as to maintain the continuum of care. The study also recommends that’s, HBC providers should be well trained on how to provide thase services to male PHAs and also more training should also be provided to male PLHAs on the effects of polygamous culture and its effect on HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, there is a need of re-packaging HBC program to include economic empowerment activities so that to attract more PLHAs in utilizing HBC services.