TITLE:
HIV-Related Disability in HIV Hyper-Endemic Countries: A Scoping Review
AUTHORS:
Jill Hanass-Hancock, Ilaria Regondi, Leonie van Egeraat, Stephanie Nixon
KEYWORDS:
Public Health; Disability; HIV/AIDS; Africa; Morbidity
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of AIDS,
Vol.3 No.3,
September
5,
2013
ABSTRACT:
Background: In the era of
enhanced access to ART, many people live longer lives but with episodes of
disability resulting from HIV, HIV-related conditions, and/or as side-effects
of ART. It is crucial to understand the extent of disability among people
living with HIV in high-prevalence settings to inform choices regarding care,
policy and research. This article presents the results of the first scoping
review to examine the extent, nature and range of disability among people
living with HIV in HIV hyper-endemic countries. Methods: This scoping review used the World Health Organization’s
International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to conceptualize
“disability”. A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted using specific
keyword and subject heading combinations. Identified publications were screened
and reviewed according to inclusion/exclusion criteria. Data were systematically
extracted and reviewed for quality. Extracted data were reviewed for patterns
related to methods or results. Results were aligned with the corresponding ICF
code. Results: Forty-one
articles were included, reporting data from 38 unique studies. Most (78%) of
the studies were conducted in South Africa; five in Botswana, one in Zimbabwe
and Lesotho, and none in Swaziland. Almost all studies recruited more females
than males. All studies except two were in adults. The studies indicate that
people living with HIV experience a variety of disabilities. Impairments in
body structure/function comprise the majority of data, with particular focus on
mental function. Data on activity limitations and participations restriction
were limited, however, they were recorded. They indicate severe impact on people’s life and possible adherence. Conclusions: We argue that the time has come to elevate the focus holistically on health
and life-related consequences of living with
HIV and to integrate disability into the discussions and approaches to HIV
care.