Abstract:
The Centralised Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) programme, introduced in South Africa in
2014, works in partnership with the Health Systems Trust (HST) on behalf of the National Department of Health. The
aim of the programme is to provide access to stable HIV- infected clients to receive treatment outside of the clinic at
pick up points with shorter queues in a convenient area. This study intended to explore and describe the factors that
contribute to the attrition rate amongst people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) from the CCMDD
programme in the Bojanala District, Northwest Province. A qualitative, explorative, and descriptive approach guided
the study. Twelve people living with HIV were purposively sampled and individual interviews were conducted until data
saturation was reached. Data analysis was done using content analysis. Three main themes emerged from the data,
namely patient-related factors, healthcare provider-related factors and resource-related factors, with sub-themes such
as financial challenges, patient-nurse interaction, stigmatization, and inadequate knowledge of ARV therapy; resource
provider-related issues like medication availability and inconvenient collection periods, addressing these factors is
crucial to improving retention in the programme . Results: The factors emerged indicated the need for strategies to
address financial support for patients, community education to reduce stigmatization, and enhanced patient education
on ARV therapy. Strengthening patient-nurse interactions and ensuring consistent follow-up from the healthcare
providers are also essential. Recommendations include ensuring reliable medication availability and flexible collection
periods to accommodate patients’ schedules.
