Factors Influencing the Uptake of HIV/AIDS Services in Children Aged 0 - 10 Years at Kalingalinga Clinic in Lusaka District, Zambia

Abstract

The study investigated the factors influencing the uptake of HIV/AIDS services among children aged 0–10 years at Kalingalinga Clinic in Lusaka District, Zambia. Despite the availability of free HIV/AIDS services, the uptake among pediatric populations remains suboptimal. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design and a mixed methods approach. A sample size composed of 218 respondents; caregivers and health care providers from Kalingalinga clinic who were selected using purposive and simple random sampling methods. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews as well as focus group discussions (FGDs). The quantitative data obtained were analyzed using software such as SPSS for statistical analysis whereas the qualitative collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The study highlighted that the uptake of HIV/AIDS services among children aged 0–10 years is shaped by various global, national, and local factors. Additionally, many caregivers lacked adequate knowledge about available HIV/AIDS services for children, which limited early diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, fear of stigma and discrimination discouraged caregivers from accessing services, especially in a closely-knit community setting like Kalingalinga. Also, long distances to the clinic, transport costs, inadequate pediatric-specific services, and occasional drug stock-outs were major obstacles to consistent service utilization. The study therefore recommended that the Ministry of Health should ensure the availability of child-friendly HIV services at Kalingalinga Clinic, including adequate staffing, consistent drug supply, and shorter waiting times to encourage continued utilization.