期刊
AIDS
卷 28, 期 2, 页码 227-233出版社
LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS
DOI: 10.1097/QAD.0000000000000025
关键词
antiretroviral therapy; HIV serodiscordant couples; Kenya; prevention; qualitative
资金
- National Institute of Nursing Research of the US National Institutes of Health [R21 NR012663]
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation [OPP47674]
- Fogarty International Center of the National Institutes of Health [D43 TW000007]
- University of Washington STD/AIDS Research Training Program
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases [T32 AI007140]
Objectives:Early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) - that is, at higher CD4(+) cell counts (>350cells/l) - is a potent HIV prevention strategy. The WHO recommends ART initiation by all HIV-infected individuals in HIV serodiscordant relationships to prevent HIV transmission, yet the acceptability of early ART among couples has not been well studied. Design: Qualitative study exploring HIV serodiscordant couples' attitudes toward early initiation of ART. Methods: We conducted eight focus group discussions and 20 in-depth interviews with members of heterosexual HIV serodiscordant couples in Kenya. Investigators iteratively applied inductive and deductive codes, developed matrices to identify patterns in codes, and reached consensus on key attitudes (motivations and barriers) related to early ART and one central, emerging theme. Results: Most participants expressed interest in early initiation of ART, with maintaining health and preventing HIV transmission as key benefits. However, many identified personal concerns and potential barriers to wider community acceptance, including side-effects, adherence to life-long treatment, and stigma. The meaning of ART emerged as a fundamental consideration, with initiating therapy perceived as emblematic of the final stage of AIDS, when one was nearing the grave.' One particular challenge was what early ART might signify for someone who looks and feels healthy. Conclusion: HIV serodiscordant couples recognized the potential benefits of early ART, but ART was frequently viewed as signifying AIDS and approaching mortality. Potential implementation of early ART presents challenges and an opportunity to re-orientate individuals toward a new image of ART as health-preserving for patients and partners. (c) 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
作者
我是这篇论文的作者
点击您的名字以认领此论文并将其添加到您的个人资料中。
推荐
暂无数据