Date of Award

1-1-2016

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

School of Public Health

First Advisor

Trace Kershaw

Abstract

In Ghana, men who have sex with men (MSM) bear a high burden of the HIV epidemic. To identify factors related to engagement in HIV care, we conducted an explorative qualitative research study with 30 HIV-positive Ghanaian MSM between May 2015 and July 2015. We sought to explore barriers, motivators, and facilitators to engagement in HIV care. Common barriers were fear of being seen in HIV-related health facility, financial difficulties, and other logistical issues. Major sources of motivators for engagement in care included social support, fear of mortality from HIV, and knowledge of effectiveness of HIV treatment. Care facilitators were enrollment in health insurance, prior relationship and familiarity with hospital personnel, and positive experience in healthcare setting. Our findings highlight the need for new and innovative care delivery mediums and increased access to health insurance.

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