Mapping evidence on barriers to and facilitators of diagnosing noncommunicable diseases among people living with human immunodeficiency virus in low- and middle-income countries in Africa: A scoping review

Objectives: To map the evidence on the barriers to and facilitators of diagnosing noncommunicable diseases among people living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries in Africa. Introduction: Noncommunicable diseases are increasing among people living with HIV. Thus, strengthened and sustained diagnosis of noncommunicable diseases through integrated noncommunicable diseases and HIV care is needed to improve patient outcomes. However, there is paucity of evidence on the barriers and facilitators diagnosing noncommunicable diseases among people living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries. Methods: The Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework was used. A comprehensive systematic search of academic databases (MEDLINE, Academic Search Complete, APA PsycInfo, CAB, and Health Source/Nursing) was performed via EBSCO search and PubMed. The articles were reviewed independently by three reviewers. The results were structured using Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behavior model and Theoretical Domains Framework. Results: A total of 152 articles were retrieved for full-text review. Forty-one articles met the inclusion criteria. The identified barriers were relevant to all the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behavior constructs and 14 Theoretical Domains Framework domains. A lack of knowledge and awareness of noncommunicable diseases, fear of stigma, financial problems and out-of-pocket payments were the most cited patient-level barriers. Healthcare providers (knowledge and awareness gaps, skill and competence deficiencies, unwillingness, burnout, low motivation, and apathy) were frequently cited. Lack of equipment, noncommunicable disease medications and supply chain challenges, lack of integrated noncommunicable disease and HIV care, and shortage of trained healthcare providers were identified as health-system-level barriers. Conclusion: This scoping review is the first to identify barriers and facilitators using a theoretical framework. The most cited barriers include a lack of integrated HIV and noncommunicable disease care, equipment and logistics chain challenges for noncommunicable diseases, patients’ and healthcare providers’ lack of knowledge and awareness of noncommunicable diseases, and healthcare provider’s skill and competency deficiencies. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden on healthcare providers and health systems.