The College of Pharmacy discussed the MSc thesis entitled “Exploring the Experiences and Perspectives of Iraqi Healthcare Providers on the Challenges and Determinants of HIV Management: A Qualitative Study” by the student Shlova Najim Talabani and the supervisor, Assistant Professor Dr. Ehab Mudher Mikhael, at the Clinical Pharmacy Department.
The study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of Iraqi healthcare providers regarding the challenges and factors influencing HIV care, with the aim of suggesting ways to improve the quality of care and enhance patient adherence to treatment.
The study included a qualitative methodology based on semi-structured interviews with 17 healthcare providers working in three HIV centers in Baghdad, Kirkuk, and Erbil. The participants were selected using purposive sampling according to their years of experience in HIV care. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-step framework. Both inductive and deductive approaches were applied, allowing for the emergence of new themes while being guided by existing literature. To ensure rigor, credibility and dependability were strengthened through peer debriefing, triangulation, and external auditing.
The results showed that healthcare providers encountered challenges, including shortage of up-to-date medications, limited laboratory diagnostics, lack of psychological and social support services, shortage of specialized staff, limited continuous training opportunities, and difficulties with patient adherence due to side effects (e.g., gastrointestinal disturbances, weight gain), forgetfulness, and treatment interruptions.
The study recommended greater investment in healthcare infrastructure, development of continuous training programs for providers, ensuring consistent access to medicines and diagnostics, and implementing nationwide awareness campaigns for patients. Also, the study highlighted the importance of physician-pharmacist collaboration as a key factor in strengthening the quality of care delivered.
