The Immediate Results Of Implementation Of Optimized Provider Initiated Testing And Counselling In Njombe Region, Tanzania

Abstract

Background: The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) set the famous '90-90-90 global targets by 2020. To achieve this, it is vital to ensure that a significant number of people are tested. Thus, the implementation of Optimised Provider Initiated Testing and Counselling (o-PITC) is being implemented. Objective: This study aimed to examine the immediate results of implementing o-PITC and establish the factors that might influence Healthcare Workers (HCWs) compliance to o-PITC guidelines. Methodology: Observational research design was employed to reach four health facilities found in the Njombe region. Participants were purposively and randomly selected. A total of 386 patients records were extracted from selected facilities; also 20 HCWs, 1 member from Council Health Management Team (CHMT) and 1 officer from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Boresha Afya project were in-depth interviewed; and 71 cases of o-PITC services were observed. Descriptive and inferential statistics were analysed for quantitative data, while qualitative data were analysed using the content analysis technique. Results: About 80% of HCWs complied with o-PITC guidelines. The number of HCWs determines the implementation of o-PITC, the number of patients at OPD, availability of testing kits, supportive supervision. Also, patient demographics such as gender, level of education and socio-economic status were linked with acceptance of o-PITC among patients. Conclusion: The immediate results of implementing o-PITC is affected by multifaceted factors related to facility, HCWs, and patients.