Socio-demographics of study participants.

IntroductionIn Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), HIV remains the leading cause of adult premature death. The rising prevalence of Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) in SSA, including Ghana, has led to a growing dual burden of HIV-FGS cases. This trend has prompted the WHO to advocate for integrated HIV and FGS services. This study examined stakeholder perspectives on integrating FGS prevention and control with HIV care in endemic areas of Ghana.MethodsThe study took place in Ga South Municipality, Greater Accra Region, Ghana. A qualitative approach combining narrative and phenomenological designs was used. Data collection included Focus Group Discussions with Community Health Officers (CHOs) (n = 9), and Key Informant Interviews with healthcare providers at regional, district, and community levels (n = 13). In-depth interviews were also conducted with individuals affected by FGS and HIV (n = 13), female household members (n = 10), Community Health Management Committee members, and community leaders (n = 7). Participants were purposively selected. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed using NVivo version 13.ResultsThere was a notable knowledge gap on FGS among CHOs and community members. Many health workers mistook FGS for sexually transmitted infections, while community members primarily recognized it through gynecological symptoms. Healthcare was sought from a mix of formal health facilities, herbalists, and spiritual centers, often delaying accurate diagnosis and management. Barriers to integrating HIV and FGS services included limited awareness, stigma, cultural beliefs, provider attitudes, and resource shortages.ConclusionsBoth CHOs and community members lacked sufficient knowledge about FGS, hindering regular screening and timely diagnosis. While integrating FGS and HIV care could support Ghana’s HIV eradication goals, success depends on addressing stigma, improving awareness, ensuring drug availability, and equipping health facilities. Collaboration among healthcare professionals and developing standardized clinical protocols are essential. Training community health workers on these protocols is urgently needed to support effective integration.引言 在撒哈拉以南非洲（Sub-Saharan Africa, SSA），人类免疫缺陷病毒（Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV）仍是成人过早死亡的首要致死原因。包括加纳在内的该地区女性生殖系统血吸虫病（Female Genital Schistosomiasis, FGS）患病率持续上升，导致HIV-FGS双重感染病例负担日益加重。这一趋势促使世界卫生组织（World Health Organization, WHO）倡导开展HIV与FGS的整合式服务。本研究针对加纳的流行地区，探讨了利益相关方对将FGS防控与HIV诊疗服务相整合的看法。 方法 本研究在加纳大阿克拉地区加南区（Ga South Municipality）开展。研究采用结合叙事研究与现象学研究设计的质性研究方法。数据收集方式包括：与9名社区卫生官员（Community Health Officers, CHOs）开展焦点小组讨论，以及对13名来自区域、区级及社区级的医疗服务提供者开展关键知情人访谈；同时对13名同时感染FGS与HIV的患者、10名女性家庭成员、7名社区卫生管理委员会成员及社区领袖开展深度访谈。研究对象采用目的性抽样方法选取。所有访谈均进行录音，转录后采用NVivo 13版本进行编码与主题分析。 结果 社区卫生官员与社区居民对FGS存在显著的知识盲区。多数医护人员将FGS误认为性传播感染，而社区居民主要通过妇科症状察觉该疾病。患者会同时前往正规医疗机构、草药师及灵修中心就医，这往往延误了准确诊断与规范治疗。阻碍HIV与FGS服务整合的因素包括认知不足、病耻感、文化信仰、医护人员态度及资源短缺。 结论 社区卫生官员与社区居民均缺乏足够的FGS相关知识，这阻碍了常规筛查与及时诊断的开展。尽管整合FGS与HIV诊疗服务有助于实现加纳的艾滋病根除目标，但成功实施有赖于破解病耻感、提升认知水平、保障药物供应及完善医疗设施配置。医疗专业人员之间的协作以及制定标准化临床方案至关重要。亟需针对社区卫生工作者开展上述方案的培训，以保障服务整合的有效推进。