Abstract:

Kabwata daily ART activity register shows that approximately 30 patients miss appointments weekly and out of which about 20 are lost to follow at month-end. With the support of the Ministry of Health and partners, the clinic has been striving to improve retention levels through the implementation of call-to-care services. However, it is important to assess the state and factors that could be affecting the effective implementation of call-to-care at the facility. This study assessed the acceptance of call-to-care strategy by clients on ART at Kabwata Clinic and has provided evidence-based information on acceptance of call-to-care services, which will help Kabwata Clinic and stakeholders improve the provision of antiretroviral services, which will eventually translate into retention and viral load suppression. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. The population of the study was 5738, from which a sample of 374 participants was drawn using systematic random sampling and subjected to a questionnaire. Data analysis and presentation were performed with the aid of google forms. The study ensured ethical considerations were observed. The study revealed that the majority of respondents (60.7%) agreed to receive appointment reminders, (78.3%) agreed to discuss ART issues on phone, (78.8%) agreed that they were happy to receive calls from medical personnel about their health and lastly (69.3%) agreed that they are religious and free to be contacted about their health. Therefore, the study concluded that most adult ART patients at Kabwata Clinic have accepted call-to-care services and are willing to receive call-to-care services.

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