KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, PERCEPTIONS, AND PRACTICES TOWARDS CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RISK PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT IN PATIENTS LIVING WITH HIV IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: A SCOPING REVIEW OF QUALITATIVE LITERATURE.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are projected to bypass HIV as the most common cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) by 2030. People living with HIV (PLHIV) are more likely to develop complications of cardiovascular disease. This poses a major developmental challenge. Methods: A scoping review of qualitative literature mapped what is known about cardiovascular disease awareness, prevention and management from the perspectives of PLHIV in SSA. Six qualitative studies from Malawi, Kenya, and South Africa were charted and analysed thematically. Results: Patients were aware of cardiovascular diseases but had varied attitudes and practices towards prevention. Social support and fear of developing life-threatening complications motivated some PLHIV to change their health behaviours. Financial hardship, unavailability of medication, and hearsay prevented adherence to lifestyle measures and medical treatment. Conclusions: Targetted prevention initiatives are critical in response to the unique needs of PLHIV and improve overall health indices in the SSA region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]