Facilitators and barriers to optimum uptake of multimonth dispensing of antiretroviral treatment in Morogoro, Tanzania: a qualitative study

Abstract

Objectives Aimed at determining facilitators and barriers to optimum uptake of multimonth dispensing (MMD) of antiretroviral treatment (ART).Design Qualitative study conducted through in-depth interviews.Setting An explorative qualitative approach conducted at three high-volume care and treatment clinics in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania.Participants Data were collected from a purposefully selected sample of 22 participants. Of them, 9 were healthcare providers and 12 were clients on ART receiving MMD. Audio records from the interviews were transcribed, translated, and thematically analysed.Results Evidence showed that multimonth dispensing can be improved through strengthened health system barriers such as having proper guidelines and involving stakeholders. Other facilitators included service providers’ ability to identify eligible clients, fast-tracking of services, quality improvement implementation, peer-to-peer inspiration and clients’ satisfaction and awareness. Identified barriers to effective multimonth dispensing included inadequate drug supply, prolonged turn-around time of HIV viral load results, delayed integrated Tuberculosis (TB) preventive therapy initiation, stigma and retention challenges.Conclusion Multimonth dispensing has the potential to address the health system challenges in Tanzania if guidelines are well informed to stakeholders, and facets of quality of care are improved. Addressing the earmarked barriers such as ensuring medicine, supplies and diagnostics, while addressing retention challenges and stigma.