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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
If i am given antiretrovirals i will think i am nearing the grave': Kenyan HIV serodiscordant couples' attitudes regarding early initiation of antiretroviral therapy
AIDS, Volume 28, No. 2, Year 2014
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Description
Objectives: Early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART)-that is, at higher CD4+ cell counts (350 cells/μl)-is a potent HIV prevention strategy. TheWHOrecommends 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 heterosexul 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 barriersto 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. © 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health.
Authors & Co-Authors
Curran, Kathryn G.
Unknown Affiliation
Ngure, Kenneth K.
United States, Seattle
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
Kenya, Nairobi
Kenyatta National Hospital
Shell-Duncan, Bettina A.
Unknown Affiliation
Vusha, Sophie
Kenya, Nairobi
Kenyatta National Hospital
Mugo, Nelly Rwamba
Kenya, Nairobi
Kenya Medical Research Institute
Heffron, Renee A.
Unknown Affiliation
Celum, Connie L.
United States, Seattle
University of Washington
Baeten, Jared M.
United States, Seattle
University of Washington
Statistics
Citations: 58
Authors: 8
Affiliations: 4
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1097/QAD.0000000000000025
e-ISSN:
14735571
Research Areas
Infectious Diseases
Study Design
Exploratory Study
Phenomenological Study
Study Approach
Qualitative
Study Locations
Kenya