Between empathy and anger: healthcare workers’ perspectives on patient disengagement from antiretroviral treatment in Khayelitsha, South Africa - a qualitative study

Table 2 Main themes identified in the analysis

Main themes	Subthemes
1. Disengagement is a public health problem
2. HCWs express empathy and understanding for patient disengagement from care	• Mental health challenges
	• Non-disclosure leads to disengagement and the dilemma of disclosing the HIV status
	• Concern for patients who disengage from treatment
3. HCWs expressing anger and frustration	• Patients who disengage from treatment do not take responsibility for their health
3. HCWs expressing anger and frustration	• Patients’ reasons for disengaging from treatment are unjustifiable

ISSN: 2731-4553