Barriers and facilitators to utilization of community drug distribution points among adult HIV patients in Bushenyi district, south-western Uganda: A qualitative study

Abstract Background People living with HIV still have challenges in accessing HIV services in low- and middle income countries. In Uganda, the community drug distribution points are interventions to improve access to anti-retroviral medications. However, there is still low enrollment on community drug distribution points among PLHIV in south western Uganda particularly in Bushenyi district. This study explored the barriers and facilitators to utilization of community drugs distribution points among adult HIV patients. Methods This was a descriptive study utilizing a qualitative approach. We purposively recruited 24 adult HIV patients and 6 health workers as key informants. We conducted in depth interviews with adult HIV patients and key informant interviews with health workers using interview guide. The data were transcribed from audios to Runyakore-Rukiga in word document then translated to English. Data were analyzed manually using thematic analysis. Results We found that the main facilitators to utilization of community drug distribution points were positive health workers’ attitude and reduced expenses especially in term of transport cost. The main barriers to utilization of community drug distribution points were lack of infrastructure and privacy. Conclusion and recommendations : Patients’ utilization of community drug distribution points is greatly influenced by the health workers attitude. Stigma is still a limitation to utilization of HIV services. We recommend that interventions to eliminate stigma be put in place and infrastructure be put at the community drug distribution points.