Physiotherapists’ awareness of risk of bone demineralisation and falls in people living with HIV : a qualitative study
Date
2021-04-13
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMC (part of Springer Nature)
Abstract
Background: Recent research has indicated a seemingly increased propensity for both falls and accelerated bone
loss in people living with HIV (PLWH). Physiotherapists play a crucial role in optimising function and quality of life of
PLWH through prevention of falls and reducing the harm that results.
Aim: This study aimed to explore physiotherapists’ awareness of falls risk and accelerated bone demineralisation in
PLWH and their perceptions of current falls prevention strategies in the care of PLWH in selected regions of sub-
Saharan Africa.
Method: An exploratory descriptive qualitative research method was employed to explore physiotherapists’
perceptions and experiences regarding bone health and falls in PLWH. In-depth semi-structured telephonic
interviews were used to collect data from 21 physiotherapists working in primary HIV care. Transcribed interview
data were coded in Atlas.ti.8® and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.
Results: The primary study revealed a lack of awareness by physiotherapists of falls risk and bone demineralisation
in PLWH. As such, physiotherapists did not link falls or fractures to HIV or antiretroviral therapy (ART) when they did
observe such events during their general patient assessments. However, in retrospect, some physiotherapists were
able to recognise risk factors linked to falls in those with HIV. Current services for falls prevention, as perceived by
the physiotherapists, were sub-optimal.
Conclusion: Physiotherapists may need to be more aware of the potential risk of falls and bone demineralisation in
PLWH and routinely assess for these phenomena in both older and younger PLWH.
Description
CITATION: Charumbira, M. Y. 2021. Physiotherapists’ awareness of risk of bone demineralisation and falls in people living with HIV : a qualitative study. BMC Health Services Research, 21:333, doi:10.1186/s12913-021-06343-1.
The original publication is available at https://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com
The original publication is available at https://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com
Keywords
Bone mineral density, Bones -- Metabolism -- Disorders, HIV-infections -- Complications, Falls (Accidents), HIV-positive persons -- Physical therapy
Citation
Charumbira, M. Y. 2021. Physiotherapists’ awareness of risk of bone demineralisation and falls in people living with HIV : a qualitative study. BMC Health Services Research, 21:333, doi:10.1186/s12913-021-06343-1