Abstract:

Background: There has been wide agreement in some part of the world where there is generalized HIV/AIDS and high reproductive disease incidence that integration of sexual reproductive health (SRH) and HIV services is of great importance. Integration is assume to increase accessibility to and uptake of health services; it also ensures better use of resources as it improves efficiency at cheaper cost. But there are few studies on the significance of health care providers’ experiences to the system. This research study was carried out among frontline health personnel to investigate provider experiences on integration to establish their importance to the success of integrated health facilities.

Methods: Semi-structured questionnaires were administered with 32 frontline health care providers in some facilities providing integrated SRH and HIV services in Oyo State. The interviews were then transcribed and analyses by the researcher and research assistants.

Results: Respondents reported the benefits they are the clients received as a result of integration. Shortage of manpower to carter for increased workload was by far the most obvious challenge facing the health workers. Others included inadequate infrastructure, stock-out of materials, lack of motivation due to untimely payment of salary, gaps in training, language barrier, poverty and misconceptions:

Conclusions: The roles of health care providers is very critical to the successful implementation of integrated SRH and HIV services. Their performances can also be affected by some challenges identified in this study. However, this study has shown that integration can assist in ameliorating these identified problems and these valuable opportunities deserves further probing.

Keywords: Experiences; Health Care Providers; Integrated; SRH; HIV; Services; Oyo State.

References:

[1].     Adebimpe W. O, Akindele R. A, Asekun-Olarinmoye E. O and Olugbenga-Bello, A. I. (2013). Attitude and motivation factors towards volunteering for HIV/AIDS care work in Southern Nigeria. Int. J. Med. Sci. Public Health, 2(4):824-828.

[2].     Arulogun OS, Titiloye MA and Desmenu, A. (2013). Barriers faced by service providers in meeting the sexual and reproductive needs of deaf persons in Ibadan metropolis: A qualitative study. J. Med. Sci, 4(11): 433-438.

[3]. Ashcraft, L and Anthony, W. A. (2010). Preparing worksites for integration. Behavioural Healthcare 2010, Accessed 22 July 2017, at [http://www. readperiodicals.com/201003/2007889421.html]

[4]. Church K and Mayhew, S.H. (2009). Integration of STI and HIV prevention, care, and treatment into FP services: a review of literature. Stud Fam Plann, 40(3):171–186.

[5].     Dudley, L and Garner, P. (2011). Strategies for integrating primary health services low- and middle-income countries at the point of delivery. Cochrane Database Syst Rev., 7.

[6]. Dussault, G, and Dubois, C. (2004). Human resources for health policies: a critical component in health policies. HNP Discussion Paper. Washington, DC: The World Bank.

[7]. Fhiorg. (2017). Fhiorg. Retrieved 22 July, 2017, from http://www.fhi.org/NR/Shared/enFHI/PrinterFriendly.asp]

[8]. Hardy, C and Redivo, F. (1994). Power and organizational development: a framework for organizational change. J Gen Manage, 20(2):29–41.

[9]. Magwaza, S, Cooper, D and Hoffman, M. (2001). The delivery of integrated reproductive health services at district levels. A research report. Health Systems Trust, Durban. Accessed 22 July 2017, at [http://www.hst.org.za].

[10].  Maharaj, P and Cleland, J. (2005): Integration of sexual and reproductive health services in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Health Policy Plan, 20(5):310–318.

[11].  Mutemwa R, Mayhew S,  Colombini M,  Busza J, Kivunaga, K and Ndwiga, C. (2013). Experiences of health care providers with integrated HIV and reproductive health services in Kenya: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res., 13: 18.

[12].  Oliff, M, Mayaud, P, Brugha, R and Semakafu, A. M. (2003). Integrating reproductive health services in a reforming health sector: the case of Tanzania. Reprod Health Matters, 11(21):37–48.

[13].  Oyostategovng. (2017). Oyostategovng. Retrieved 20 September, 2017, from https://oyostate.gov.ng/about-oyo-state/

[14].  Wikipediaorg. (2017). Wikipediaorg. Retrieved 21 July, 2017, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HIV/AIDS_in_Nigeria

[15].  Winstone, L.E., Bukusi, E. A., Cohen, C. R., Kwaro, D, Schmidt, N. C and Turan, J. M. (2012). Acceptability and feasibility of integration of HIV care services into antenatal clinics in rural Kenya: a qualitative provider interview study. Global Health: An Int J Res, Policy & Pract, 7(2):149–163.

[16].  Wwwunorg. (2017). Wwwunorg. Retrieved 22 July, 2017, from http://www.un.org/popin/icpd2.htm.

[17].  Yoder, P.S & Amare, Y. (2008). Integrated family planning and VCT services in Ethiopia: experiences of health care providers. Qualitative Res Stud, 14:4–39.

[18].  Zotti ME, Pringle J, Stuart G, Boyd WA, Brantley D and Ravello, L. (2010). Integrating HIV prevention in reproductive health settings. J Public Health Management Practice, 16(6):512–520.