Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 23, 2026

An Affordable HIV-1 Drug Resistance Monitoring Method for Resource Limited Settings
Published on: March 30, 2014
Patient-Led Peer Support Groups Improve Anti-Hypertensive Drugs Access for Adults Living with HIV and Hypertension in
Mucunguzi Atukunda1, Brian Twinamatsiko1, Michael Ayebare1
1Department of Research, Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda.
Introduction:
People living with HIV (PLHIV) often have poorly controlled hypertension due to medication non-adherence, primarily caused by limited access to antihypertensive drugs. Peer support groups are being explored to improve access. We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of peer support groups to improve access to anti-hypertensive drugs for PLHIV with hypertension.
Methods:
From December 2022 to April 2023, we conducted a cross-sectional survey and measurement of blood pressure among PLHIV in 26 health facilities to assess the accessibility of anti-hypertensive drugs in the peer support groups. The collected data was summarized using descriptive statistics.
Results:
Eight out of 26 health facilities formed peer support groups. Among 163 PLHIV interviewed only 64 participated in the peer support groups. Among those who participated in peer support groups, 57% reported accessing anti-hypertensive drugs through the group. The peer support groups were affordable for most participants. Around 60% found the contributions manageable, with 79% contributing $1.3 or less. Most participants expressed satisfaction in the performance of the peer support groups. And blood pressure control was higher among survey participants in peer support groups (53.1%) compared to those not in such groups (33.3%), with an overall control rate of 41.1%.
Conclusion:
The results of the study suggest that patient-led peer support groups are a feasible intervention to improve access to antihypertensive medications for PLHIV with Hypertension.
Related Concept Videos
Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications
Hypertension V: Nursing Management
Hypertension I: Introduction
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
Among the PDE5 inhibitors, sildenafil (Revatio) stands out as a competitive and selective inhibitor. It operates by elevating cellular levels of cGMP and augmenting signaling through the cGMP-PKG pathway, promoting vasodilation. Upon oral...
Heart Failure V: Medical Management

