Perceptions of people living with human immunodeficiency virus regarding the use of dolutegravir based regimen, Limpopo Province

Abstract Background HIV and AIDS continue to be a public health concern with Sub-Saharan Africa having the highest number of HIV incidences. Progress towards management of the disease has been implemented over the years and antiretroviral therapy has been a great achievement. The World Health Organisation recommended dolutegravir as the second line of treatment for the disease. Literature explains DTG based regimen as having great outcomes although it was discovered to have unpleasant side effects on some patients. The objective was to explore and describe perceptions of PLWHA regarding the use of dolutegravir based regimen in Limpopo province. Method A qualitative, explorative-descriptive design was followed. Individual semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted. Purposive sampling was used until data saturation was reached. Thematic analysis was used, and the following themes generated: Acceptance of dolutegravir, level of knowledge regarding dolutegravir, the burden of knowledge regarding dolutegravir, the burden of taking ART treatment, the reasons for non-adherence to dolutegravir. Results The findings revealed great acceptance of DTG. The importance of taking treatment was mentioned although some participants lacked knowledge.