Lived experiences of nyaope users who are HIV positive in Mogale city <b></b>

Abstract

This study explored the lived experiences of nyaope users who are HIV-positive in Mogale City, Gauteng Province, South Africa. Nyaope is a commonly used drug that is highly addictive. The study employed an exploratory and descriptive qualitative research method to gain in-depth insights into the health-related, psychosocial, and systemic challenges faced by this vulnerable group. Nyaope users who are HIV-positive were recruited from a local Non-Profit Organisation. A sample size of 25 was reached, and data were analysed using Nvivo Software was utilised following thematic content analysis. The findings demonstrate that poor treatment at healthcare facilities, attitude and behaviour of healthcare providers, stigma, discrimination, withdrawal symptoms, and lengthy clinic processes were some of the challenging experiences encountered by nyaope users who are HIV positive. Despite, the reported unpleasant experiences, some participants revealed that they adherence to their HIV treatment and they are virally suppressed. Furthermore, other participants expressed their willingness to recover and engage in treatment if more inclusive, compassionate, and coordinated services were made available. The study emphasized the urgent need for integrated public health interventions that combine HIV care, mental health, and harm reduction within a rights-based framework, to improve their experiences when accessing HIV treatment in the healthcare facilities. The efforts to achieve the 95-95-95 goal in alleviating HIV spread and the overall health promotion of nyaope users who are HIV Positive must be strengthened, to improving accessibility amongst the group that is marginalised.