Barriers and facilitators to effective implementation of the NAMWEZA intervention in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

The NAMWEZA intervention was implemented, using a ten-session group format, to build skills targeting psychosocial vulnerabilities and enhancing HIV prevention among people living with HIV (PLH) and their social networks. The overall goal of this intervention is to improve psychological wellbeing and reduce HIV risk behaviours. These analyses aim to describe the barriers and facilitators of implementing the NAMWEZA intervention from the perspective of participants and trained peer group facilitators. Twenty-four in-depth interviews were conducted with NAMWEZA participants, and 50 pooled peer facilitator self-assessment reports were obtained from 16 trained peers. Participants identified personal and structural barriers, including fear of inadvertent HIV status disclosure, time constraints, level of participant reimbursements, and limited space available for group sessions. Factors facilitating effective implementation included perceived benefits of the program, such as reduction in HIV-related risk behaviours, increased self-esteem, and improvement in confidence in HIV prevention communications. Scaling up the NAMWEZA intervention to other areas of Tanzania or regionally should take into account these facilitators and barriers to implementation.