The Early Impact of COVID-19 on a Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Program in Mukono and Buikwe Districts in Uganda: A Qualitative Study

Background: In 2011, the United Nations set out an ambitious plan to dramatically reduce the effect of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in all regions of the world. However, the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) is slowing current efforts and the set targets may not be achieved, yet NCDs have been associated with the risk of more severe COVID-19 disease. In the current study, we explore the early impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a CVD prevention program in Mukono and Buikwe districts in Uganda. Methods: We collected qualitative data through interviews and mini focus group discussions (FGDs) in the months of May and June 2020. A total of 39 community health workers (CHWs) and 10 healthcare workers (HCW) participated in the study. The data were transcribed verbatim and analysed with the help of the ATLAS.ti software following a content analysis approach. Emerging themes and sub themes were generated and these exemplified with quotations from the transcripts. Results: Negative and positive impact themes were observed. The negative observations were: (1) Disruption of CVD prevention services including halting screening for CVD risk factors at the community and health facility, halting sensitisation and health promotion activities at the community; (2) Reduction in patient health seeking behaviours; (3) Acute health facility staff absenteeism (4) Disruption in reporting and referral mechanisms; and (5) Disruption in supply chain. On the other hand, two positive attributes were observed: (1) Perceived reduction in alcohol consumption; and (2) perceived reduction in crime related psychosocial stress. Conclusion: COVID-19 disrupted the implementation of CVD prevention activities in this low-income context. Screening programs and CVD prevention activities at the community and health facility levels were literally halted mainly due to fear, the non-discriminatory lockdown measures and a lack of medicines and supplies – including personal protective equipment. There is need for a balance in measures to sustain CVDs interventions while controlling the COVID-19 pandemic.