Perceived barriers and facilitators to diabetes screening among people living with HIV receiving advances in antiretroviral therapy

Nitish Kumar Dhal; Ramya Mandya Prashanth; Aishwarya Subramanian; Chandrakala C.

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20264247

Authors

Nitish Kumar Dhal Department of Community Medicine, Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India https://orcid.org/0009-0003-3735-9172
Ramya Mandya Prashanth Department of Community Medicine, Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0324-4241
Aishwarya Subramanian Department of Community Medicine, Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3783-1177
Chandrakala C. Department of Community Medicine, Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20264247

Keywords:

Antiretroviral therapy, Barriers, Diabetes screening, Facilitators, HIV, Knowledge

Abstract

Background: Advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART) have significantly improved the survival of people living with HIV (PLHIV), leading to a growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes mellitus. HIV infection and long-term ART use may increase diabetes risk. Despite the importance of early detection, diabetes screening among PLHIV remains suboptimal. This study assessed perceived barriers, facilitators and knowledge regarding diabetes screening among PLHIV receiving ART.

Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 118 PLHIV attending the ART centre of District Hospital, Ramanagara, Karnataka. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire that assessed socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of diabetes screening and perceived barriers and facilitators. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: Among participants, 71.2% had heard about diabetes, but only 35.6% were aware that ART could increase diabetes risk. 43.2% reported knowledge of diabetes screening tests and only 24.6% knew the recommended screening frequency. Overall, 40.7% had undergone diabetes screening. Lack of awareness (52.5%), absence of symptoms (37.3%) and fear of diagnosis (34.7%) were the most common barriers. Physician recommendation (62.7%) and availability of free screening services (58.5%) were key facilitators. Doctor’s advice, adequate knowledge, higher education and longer duration on ART were significant predictors of screening uptake.

Conclusions: Diabetes screening among PLHIV receiving ART remains suboptimal. Strengthening patient education, enhancing provider counselling and integrating routine diabetes screening within ART services may improve early detection and management of diabetes among PLHIV.

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