Victoria D Ojeda, Melissa B Jaeger, Sarah Hiller-Venegas, Tamara Parker, Maurice Lyles, Silvia Castillo, Gustavo Vega, Melissa Moreno, Briana Schuler, Arthur Groneman, Emily Berliant, Natalie Romero, Todd M Edwards, Cielo Jimenez, Zephon Lister, Jerrica Barksdale, Angela Bazzi, Tommi Gaines, Todd Gilmer
{"title":"Lifetime HIV testing among three samples of adults with histories of incarceration in Southern California.","authors":"Victoria D Ojeda, Melissa B Jaeger, Sarah Hiller-Venegas, Tamara Parker, Maurice Lyles, Silvia Castillo, Gustavo Vega, Melissa Moreno, Briana Schuler, Arthur Groneman, Emily Berliant, Natalie Romero, Todd M Edwards, Cielo Jimenez, Zephon Lister, Jerrica Barksdale, Angela Bazzi, Tommi Gaines, Todd Gilmer","doi":"10.1080/09540121.2024.2372724","DOIUrl":"10.1080/09540121.2024.2372724","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>ABSTRACT</b>Justice-impacted persons may inconsistently access HIV testing. This cross-sectional secondary analysis investigates lifetime HIV testing prevalence among adults with prior histories of incarceration in Southern California, United States, participating in health-focused programming (<i>n</i> = 3 studies). Self-reported demographic and lifetime HIV testing data were collected between 2017-2023; descriptive analyses were conducted. Across the three samples, at least 74% of participants were male; Latino and African American individuals accounted for nearly two-thirds of participants. Lifetime HIV testing ranged from 72.8% to 84.2%. Males were significantly more likely than females to report never being tested in two samples and accounted for >95% of those never tested. No statistically significant differences in testing were observed by race/ethnicity. Single young adults (ages 18-26) were less likely than their partnered peers to report testing. HIV testing is critical for ensuring that individuals access prevention and treatment. HIV testing among justice-impacted adults in this study was higher than in the general population, potentially due to opt-out testing in correctional settings. Nevertheless, these findings underscore the importance of implementing targeted interventions to reduce structural (e.g., health insurance, access to self-testing kits) and social barriers (e.g., HIV stigma) to increase HIV testing among justice-impacted males and single young adults.</p>","PeriodicalId":48370,"journal":{"name":"Aids Care-Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of Aids/hiv","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141493965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Eva Liang, Chigozie A Nkwonta, Lloyd A Goldsamt, Ann-Margaret Dunn Navarra
{"title":"A qualitative assessment of retention in HIV care among adolescents and young adults (AYA) living with HIV in New York City.","authors":"Eva Liang, Chigozie A Nkwonta, Lloyd A Goldsamt, Ann-Margaret Dunn Navarra","doi":"10.1080/09540121.2024.2373402","DOIUrl":"10.1080/09540121.2024.2373402","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Retention in HIV care is a critical precursor to ending the epidemic yet remains suboptimal in the United States. Gaining an understanding of the challenges faced by adolescents and young adults (AYA) living with HIV is essential to improving retention in HIV care. This study explored the barriers and facilitators to retention in care among Black and Hispanic AYA living with HIV. Audio-recorded semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 AYA living with HIV ages 16-29 years in New York City. Our methods entailed an inductive content analysis to explore key concepts, reconcile codes, and identify a theme, categories, and subcategories. Bronfenbrenner's socioecological model evolved as an organizing framework around barriers and facilitators to retention in care at the individual, interpersonal, healthcare system, and structural level. Data analysis yielded one overarching theme-the influence of psychosocial factors on retention in HIV care. Psychological struggles, powerlessness, clinic-level characteristics, and socioeconomic struggles were barriers reported by participants. Self-responsibility, social support, patient-friendly healthcare services, and socioeconomic resources emerged as facilitators. Retention in HIV care among AYA living with HIV is a multifaceted and complex phenomenon that involves multiple systems. Strengthening patients, healthcare system, and community partnerships can help address some of the HIV-related health disparities.</p>","PeriodicalId":48370,"journal":{"name":"Aids Care-Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of Aids/hiv","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11511637/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141559995","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Russell Miller, Chunyan Li, Rodenie Arnaiz Olete, Masamine Jimba
{"title":"Disparities in HIV incidence and mortality rates between Japanese nationals and international migrants before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from Japan's national HIV surveillance data (2018-2021).","authors":"Russell Miller, Chunyan Li, Rodenie Arnaiz Olete, Masamine Jimba","doi":"10.1080/09540121.2024.2383867","DOIUrl":"10.1080/09540121.2024.2383867","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Migrants often encounter heightened health risks during crises. We analysed the disparities in the burden of HIV between Japanese nationals and international migrants in Japan by comparing new HIV infections, AIDS cases, and HIV-related deaths between 2018-2019 (pre-COVID-19) and 2020-2021 (during the COVID-19 pandemic). Between 2018 and 2021, 4,705 new HIV infections were reported in Japan (2,813 Japanese nationals and 522 international migrants). Additionally, 1,370 AIDS cases (1,188 Japanese nationals, 182 international migrants) were recorded, representing 29.1% of the total. Comparative analysis of HIV incidence and mortality rates between Japanese nationals and international migrants indicates elevated disparities: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the HIV incidence rate among Japanese nationals decreased from 1.8 to 1.5 cases/100,000 people, while the rate among international migrants remained high at 12.8 cases/100,000 people. The AIDS incidence also increased for international migrants from 2.8 to 3.8 per 100,000 people, while Japanese nationals maintained a low at 0.5 per 100,000 people. International migrants living with HIV experienced a significantly younger age at death due to HIV-related illness (coefficient = -11.7, <i>p</i> < .01). The COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated the disparities with more international migrants living with HIV being diagnosed late and with less precise reporting. Investment in more equitable HIV care is warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":48370,"journal":{"name":"Aids Care-Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of Aids/hiv","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141894655","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Taylor Krajewski, Katherine H LeMasters, Carrie B Oser, Lauren Brinkley-Rubinstein
{"title":"Perceived versus actual HIV risk among PrEP indicated persons with criminal legal involvement.","authors":"Taylor Krajewski, Katherine H LeMasters, Carrie B Oser, Lauren Brinkley-Rubinstein","doi":"10.1080/09540121.2024.2383873","DOIUrl":"10.1080/09540121.2024.2383873","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Individuals involved with community supervision experience multi-level obstacles impacting health outcomes. This is a high-risk period for HIV acquisition due to potential reengagement in unprotected sex and/or unsafe injection drug practices. This study aimed to assess the congruence between actual and perceived HIV risk and the degree to which individual, social, and behavioral factors impact risk perception among individuals on community supervision. While all participants were clinically indicated for PrEP, most participants (81.5%) did not consider themselves at risk for HIV (69.5%) or were not sure of their risk (12.0%). Among those with no or unsure perceived risk, 94% engaged in sexual behaviors that put them at-risk of HIV. Perceived HIV risk was associated with sharing injection equipment (aPR = 1.8, 95% CI [1.02, 3.3]), identifying as a sexual minority (aPR = 2.3, 95% CI [1.3, 3.9]), and having sex with a partner living with HIV (aPR = 2.4, 95% CI [1.3, 4.3]). Having sex with a partner living with HIV was the only sexual risk behavior associated with a perceived risk of HIV. These findings indicate a substantial discrepancy between actual and perceived HIV risk, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve risk perception accuracy and enhance risk prevention among individuals on community supervision.</p>","PeriodicalId":48370,"journal":{"name":"Aids Care-Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of Aids/hiv","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11511634/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141876402","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Annie L Nguyen, Andrea N Polonijo, Jerome T Galea, Moka Yoo-Jeong, Jeff Taylor, Erik L Ruiz, Karah Greene, Jasmine L Lopez, Christopher Christenson, Brandon Brown
{"title":"A community-academic partnered approach to designing a Virtual Village to address the needs of older adults living with HIV.","authors":"Annie L Nguyen, Andrea N Polonijo, Jerome T Galea, Moka Yoo-Jeong, Jeff Taylor, Erik L Ruiz, Karah Greene, Jasmine L Lopez, Christopher Christenson, Brandon Brown","doi":"10.1080/09540121.2024.2383869","DOIUrl":"10.1080/09540121.2024.2383869","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>ABSTRACT</b>Many older adults living with HIV face unique challenges, including comorbidities, loneliness, and isolation. This community-academic partnered study elicited viewpoints from older adults living with HIV about the characteristics of a digital environment (\"Virtual Village\") to combat against loneliness and isolation. We utilized Choice-Based Conjoint Analyses to determine preferred attributes of a Virtual Village. We also conducted focus groups and interviews with older adults living with HIV and used an iterative, data-driven approach to systematically identify emergent themes. Participants (<i>N</i> = 82) were aged 50-82 years and racially/ethnically diverse. The majority were men (78%), gay (66%), and lived with HIV for ≥15 years (83%). Cost was the factor that most drove participants' preference for joining a Virtual Village. Thematic concerns included lack of technological confidence, internet access, potential for harassment in digital environments, privacy, and preference for in-person interactions. Praises centered on convenience and making connections across geographic distances. Participants emphasized the need for purposive strategies to form a cohesive and supportive community for older adults living with HIV. A moderated environment was recommneded to create a safe, structured, and comfortable digital environment for older adults living with HIV. A Virtual Village should be viewed as a bridge to in-person interactions.</p>","PeriodicalId":48370,"journal":{"name":"Aids Care-Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of Aids/hiv","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11511657/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141876401","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jennifer Velloza, Albert Y Liu, Ariana W K Katz, Ariane van der Straten, Aaron J Siegler, Hyman Scott, Gretchen Wilde, Annie Lockard, Richard H Christie, Susan P Buchbinder
{"title":"Acceptability of an automated directly observed therapy (DOT) application for PrEP adherence support among young men who have sex with men: a qualitative exploration.","authors":"Jennifer Velloza, Albert Y Liu, Ariana W K Katz, Ariane van der Straten, Aaron J Siegler, Hyman Scott, Gretchen Wilde, Annie Lockard, Richard H Christie, Susan P Buchbinder","doi":"10.1080/09540121.2024.2397133","DOIUrl":"10.1080/09540121.2024.2397133","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence remains a challenge among young men who have sex with men (MSM). We developed and tested a smartphone application (\"app\"), \"DOT Diary\", which combines automated directly observed therapy (DOT) with information about PrEP protection levels, pill-taking reminders, a sexual behavior diary, and a PrEP dosing calendar. To contextualize trial results, we qualitatively explored participants' app experiences. The trial enrolled 100 young MSM in San Francisco and Atlanta. Participants were randomized 2:1 to DOT Diary versus standard-of-care and followed for 24 weeks. Interviews were conducted with 24 intervention participants. Data were analyzed using a memo-writing approach. Most expressed overall satisfaction with the app (\"it was good for its purpose\"), despite concerns about technical glitches. The most popular app features were the monthly calendar showing days PrEP was taken and information about level of protection based on pills taken. The DOT component helped participants establish PrEP routines. The reminders were \"annoying but effective\" at motivating dosing. Opinions about the sexual behavior diary varied. Overall, DOT Diary was acceptable; participants were willing to use it daily to record pill-taking. Critical components included the information about PrEP protection levels and calendar, while others may be modified to improve future success.<b>Trial registration:</b> ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03771638.</p>","PeriodicalId":48370,"journal":{"name":"Aids Care-Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of Aids/hiv","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11511627/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142120930","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Adam R Aluisio, Scarlett J Bergam, John Kinuthia, John Wamutitu Maina, Sankei Pirirei, David Bukusi, Harriet Waweru, Rose Bosire, Josephine Chen, Daniel K Ojuka, David A Katz, Carey Farquhar, Michael J Mello, Kate M Guthrie
{"title":"HIV testing services and HIV self-testing programming within emergency care in Kenya: a qualitative study of healthcare personnel to inform enhanced service delivery approaches.","authors":"Adam R Aluisio, Scarlett J Bergam, John Kinuthia, John Wamutitu Maina, Sankei Pirirei, David Bukusi, Harriet Waweru, Rose Bosire, Josephine Chen, Daniel K Ojuka, David A Katz, Carey Farquhar, Michael J Mello, Kate M Guthrie","doi":"10.1080/09540121.2024.2414087","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09540121.2024.2414087","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In Kenya, persons insufficiently engaged in HIV Testing Services (HTS) are often treated in emergency departments (ED). There are limited data from healthcare workers on ED-HTS. A qualitative study was completed to understand challenges and facilitators for ED-HTS and HIV self-testing (HIVST). Data were collected via six focus groups of healthcare workers. Data were inductively analyzed and mapped to the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation Behavioral Model. Focus groups were completed with 49 healthcare workers: 18 nurses, 15 HIV counselors, 10 physicians and 6 administrators. HTS challenges included staff burdens, resources access, deficiencies in systems integration and illness severity. HTS facilitators included education of healthcare workers and patients, services coordination, and specific follow-up processes. HIVST challenges included accuracy concerns, follow-up barriers and psychosocial risks. HIVST facilitators were patient autonomy and confidentiality, resource utilization and ability to reach higher-risk persons. Mapping to the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation Behavioral Model interventions within the domains of knowledge, decision processes, environmental aspects, social influences and professional identities could support enhanced ED-HTS with integrated HIVST delivery. This study provided insights into challenges and facilitators on ED-HTS and identifies pragmatic approaches to improve healthcare workers' behaviors and abilities to provide services to persons already in contact with healthcare.</p>","PeriodicalId":48370,"journal":{"name":"Aids Care-Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of Aids/hiv","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142510524","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Amy Medley, Tiffiany Aholou, Sherri Pals, Tiffany G Harris, Brenda Senyana, Mollie Braaten, Prisca Kasonde, Tina Chisenga, Annie Mwila, Keith Mweebo, Fatima Tsiouris
{"title":"Perspectives of healthcare providers around providing family planning services to women living with HIV attending six HIV treatment clinics in Lusaka, Zambia.","authors":"Amy Medley, Tiffiany Aholou, Sherri Pals, Tiffany G Harris, Brenda Senyana, Mollie Braaten, Prisca Kasonde, Tina Chisenga, Annie Mwila, Keith Mweebo, Fatima Tsiouris","doi":"10.1080/09540121.2024.2414077","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09540121.2024.2414077","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>ABSTRACT</b>While international guidelines recommend integration of family planning (FP) and HIV services, limited research has been done to explore how healthcare providers perceive the feasibility and utility of integrated services. To address this gap, we administered a standardized questionnaire to 85 providers from 6 HIV clinics in Lusaka, Zambia, before (April-May 2018) and after (May-June 2019) implementing an enhanced model of FP/HIV service integration. We tested for differences in FP knowledge, attitudes and practices between the two time periods with tests appropriate for paired observations. The proportion of providers self-reporting direct provision of contraceptives increased significantly for several methods including oral contraceptives (14% vs. 26%, <i>p</i> = 0.03), injectables (9% vs. 25%, <i>p</i> < 0.001), implants (2% vs. 13%, <i>p</i> = 0.007) and intra-uterine devices (2% vs. 13%, <i>p</i> = 0.007). In-depth interviews were also conducted post-integration with 109 providers to solicit their feedback on the benefits and challenges of offering integrated services. While providers were highly supportive of integrated services, they identified several challenges including widespread belief in FP myths among female clients, the need to consult a male partner prior to starting FP, lack of trained staff and space, and frequent stockouts of contraceptives and equipment. Addressing these challenges will be critical in designing future services.</p>","PeriodicalId":48370,"journal":{"name":"Aids Care-Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of Aids/hiv","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142477943","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Paige Neuenschwander, Fredrick L Altice, Robert H Remien, Gaukhar Mergenova, Lyailya Sarsembayeva, Elena Rozental, Valeriy Gulyayev, Alissa Davis
{"title":"A qualitative dyad analysis of barriers and facilitators of antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among people who inject drugs (PWID) with HIV in Kazakhstan.","authors":"Paige Neuenschwander, Fredrick L Altice, Robert H Remien, Gaukhar Mergenova, Lyailya Sarsembayeva, Elena Rozental, Valeriy Gulyayev, Alissa Davis","doi":"10.1080/09540121.2024.2414078","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09540121.2024.2414078","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>People with HIV (PWH) who inject drugs (PWID) face many barriers to ART adherence. Kazakhstan has one of the fastest growing HIV epidemics in the world, primarily fueled by injection drug use, yet ART adherence among PWID is low. Social support can help address these barriers, but ART adherence among PWID is rarely examined within the relationship context. We conducted interviews with 20 PWID with HIV and 18 of their intimate partners and performed a qualitative dyad analysis to examine ART adherence factors. The results indicated many barriers and facilitators of ART adherence at the individual level (e.g., substance use), interpersonal level (e.g., social support) and structural level (e.g., stigma, transportation). Reported adherence barriers and facilitators had high congruence between dyad members; however, some notable differences were found between dyads. Compared to PWH, partners without HIV had a lack of awareness about the role of stigma in impeding ART adherence. Different manifestations of social support to facilitate ART adherence were noted between seroconcordant dyads (e.g., taking pills together, attending appointments together) and serodiscordant dyads (e.g., reminders to take pills, providing babysitting to enable attendance at doctor appointments). Future research and programs may benefit from integrating dyad approaches into ART adherence interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":48370,"journal":{"name":"Aids Care-Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of Aids/hiv","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142477942","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bona S H Hutahaean, Sarah E Stutterheim, Kai J Jonas
{"title":"The role of fear as a barrier and facilitator to antiretroviral therapy initiation in Indonesia: insights from patients and providers.","authors":"Bona S H Hutahaean, Sarah E Stutterheim, Kai J Jonas","doi":"10.1080/09540121.2024.2414080","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09540121.2024.2414080","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Indonesia poses major challenges, with limited studies on specific ART initiation barriers and facilitators. Using a socioecological approach, we explored, through semi-structured interviews, the perspectives of 67 participants: 17 people with HIV not (yet) on ART, 30 people with HIV on treatment, and 20 HIV service providers (HSPs). Fears emerged as pervasive barriers to initiation encompassing, at the intrapersonal level, (irrational) fears of negative medical and non-medical consequences. At the health system level, fears were linked to concerns about bureaucracy and insufficient universal coverage. On a societal level, fears stemmed from prevalent myths, misinformation on social media, and the impact of COVID-19. Interestingly, fear also served as a facilitator to initiation. At the intrapersonal level, initiation was driven by a fear of deteriorating health or death due to AIDS-related conditions. At the interpersonal level, buddies and HSPs leveraged to motivate initiation. At the societal level, accurate yet fear-inducing information on social media stimulated initiation. Perspectives differed between people with HIV and HSP, with people with HIV emphasizing barriers on intrapersonal to health system levels, while HSP focused mostly on intrapersonal and interpersonal barriers, albeit recognizing the crucial role of health systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":48370,"journal":{"name":"Aids Care-Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of Aids/hiv","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142477944","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}