People newly diagnosed with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic: A focus group study on the associated early biopsychosocial reactions

Abstract Aim Currently, HIV and COVID-19 are among the global health threats, and being newly diagnosed with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic may be distressing. Therefore, this study explored the early biopsychosocial reactions to a new HIV-positive diagnosis among people newly diagnosed with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Twenty-five PLWH participated in focus group discussions (FGDs). The FGDs were conducted in the same modalities with three groups for an average of two hours until data saturation occurred. Data were thematically analyzed after which there were three rigorous phases of analysis validation. Results Five themes were created—“Concerns about HIV care being disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” “HIV-positive status was blamed on the COVID-19 pandemic,” “Expecting an HIV-positive diagnosis reduced negative reactions (e.g., psychological distress),” “Fear of stigmatization,” and “Suicidal ideation and body ache.” Conclusion The implications of findings for theory and practice are discussed.