Exploring Effective Approaches: Integrating Mental Health Services into HIV Clinics in Northern Uganda

Figures & data

Table 1 Characteristics of Participants in IDIs and FGDs

Variables	Category	IDIs with healthcare providers (n= 30)	IDIs service users (n= 25)	FGDs with VHTs, 1 (n=6)	FGDs with VHTs, 2 (n=6)
Gender	Male	12	9	1	3
	Female	18	16	5	3
Age (years)	Mean	33.4	38.5	30.9	34.1
Education level	No formal education	0	3	0	0
	Certificate	9	12	4	2
	Diploma	15	6	1	2
	Degree	6	3	0	0
	Postgraduate	0	1	0	0
Experience	Less than 5 years	5	–	3	2
	6–10 years	20	–	3	4
	> 10 years	5	–	0	0

Table 2 Themes Identified

Codes	Sub-themes	Major themes
“I observed improved adherence” “I feel more supported and happier” “Having mental health services like counseling in HIV clinics helps”	Improved patient outcome Holistic psychological wellbeing Medical adherence	Perceived benefits of integrated mental health services
“reducing the judgment and stigma” “There’s a constant struggle to allocate adequate time” “Limited resources in our communities make it challenging…”	Staffing issues Infrastructure challenges Patient stigma	Challenges faced in implementation
“Getting support from local leaders is really important” “we need to actively involve the community leaders and local healer…” “…there’s resistance due to cultural norms”	Participatory approach Tailoring services to cultural context Community education Public awareness	Community enjoyment and cultural sensitivity

Data Sharing Statement

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.