Evaluating Buganda Kingdom’s HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment program

Abstract

This study sought to evaluate HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment Program in Buganda kingdom, focusing on the accessibility of testing facilities, the role of peer support and counseling services and the impact of awareness campaigns on behaviour and knowledge. A mixed-method sequential explanatory design was utilised in this study, beginning with a quantitative cross-sectional survey and followed by qualitative semi-structured and key informant interviews to explore the reasons behind observed trends. To ensure representativeness and depth of insights, stratified random, purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used. Descriptive statistics, correlations and regression analyses were used to analyse quantitative data meanwhile qualitative data was examined through thematic analysis and triangulated to integrate findings from both methods. Study findings revealed that peer support and counseling services had the strongest influence on patient well-being, improving adherence to antiretroviral therapy, reducing emotional distress as well as fostering resilience. Change in behaviour was influenced by awareness even though their effectiveness was limited by cultural stigma and gender disparities. Accessibility to testing facilities for HIV/AIDS varied across communities and respondents, with rural areas facing the most constraints. This study contributes empirical evidence on the benefits of blending structural and behavioural interventions in programs for HIV/AIDS within cultural contexts. The study recommends strengthening peer support networks, expanding access to testing facilities in underserved areas and tailoring awareness initiatives so as to address cultural and gender-specific barriers, thereby guiding policymakers and program implementers toward more effective HIV/AIDS interventions in Buganda Kingdom and similar settings.