{
  "abstract": "Background Zambia has made significant strides in achieving the UNAIDS 95–95-95 targets, with 88.7% of people living with HIV aware of their status, 98% of diagnosed individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 96.3% of those on ART achieving viral suppression. This success is largely attributed to the Universal Routine HIV Testing Services Policy which facilitates widespread HIV testing and immediate ART initiation. However, maintaining ART adherence remains a challenge, with religious beliefs playing a significant role in influencing patient behaviours. In Zambia, 95% of the population practices Christianity, and everyday life including health decisions is shaped by religious doctrines and practices. This study aimed to explore the impact of religious beliefs and practices on ART adherence among people living with HIV in Zambia.Methods This qualitative study was conducted in three districts of Lusaka Province—Lusaka, Chongwe, and Kafue—chosen due to their high HIV prevalence. Using a non-experimental, cross-sectional, exploratory design, we employed criterion purposive sampling to recruit 35 lay Community Health Workers (CHWs) (n=35) who had provided ART services for at least one year. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews guided by a semi-structured questionnaire, focusing on reasons for ART refusal or discontinuation. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo software, with transcripts translated from local languages into English.Results Findings indicated that religious beliefs shaped perceptions of disease susceptibility and severity, decisions to seek treatment, choice of treatment providers, and adherence to ART. Patients often relied on religious doctrines as a reference point for accepting or refusing medications provided by CHWs. For instance, certain Pentecostal doctrines encourage believers to prioritise prayer and faith healing over medication. While some religious teachings promoted ART adherence through responsibility and self-care, others discouraged its use by advocating divine healing, faith-based cures, and miracle interventions. Religious leaders held significant influence over how HIV is perceived and managed in the communities.Conclusion These findings the need for faith-based interventions and collaboration between religious leaders and healthcare providers to improve ART adherence. Understanding these religious influences is crucial for designing culturally sensitive interventions to sustain Zambia’s progress toward ending HIV by 2030.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Warwick Applied Health, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Golden Lwando Mwinsa"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "School of Psychology, Social Work and Public Health, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Chinwe Onuegbu"
    }
  ],
  "title": "P13 Between faith and medicine: a qualitative study of religious beliefs and health-seeking behaviors among people living with HIV in Zambia",
  "uid": "f335ffac-5d01-59c1-b99f-063eb9c719f5"
}