Community perceptions of repeat HIV-testing : experiences of the ANRS 12249 Treatment as Prevention trial in rural South Africa

Community perceptions of repeat HIV-testing : experiences of the ANRS 12249 Treatment as Prevention trial in rural South Africa Orne-Gliemann J. auteur aut IRD Zuma T. auteur aut IRD Chikovore J. auteur aut IRD Gillespie N. auteur aut IRD Grant M. auteur aut IRD Iwuji C. auteur aut IRD Larmarange Joseph auteur aut IRD McGrath N. auteur aut IRD Lert F. auteur aut IRD Imrie J. auteur aut IRD text journalArticle eng text/pdf born digital access In the context of the ANRS 12249 Treatment as Prevention (TasP) trial, we investigated perceptions of regular and repeat HIV-testing in rural KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), an area of very high HIV prevalence and incidence. We conducted two qualitative studies, before (2010) and during the early implementation stages of the trial (2013-2014), to appreciate the evolution in community perceptions of repeat HIV-testing over this period of rapid changes in HIV-testing and treatment approaches. Repeated focus group discussions were organized with young adults, older adults and mixed groups. Repeat and regular HIV-testing was overall well perceived before, and well received during, trial implementation. Yet community members were not able to articulate reasons why people might want to test regularly or repeatedly, apart from individual sexual risk-taking. Repeat home-based HIV-testing was considered as feasible and convenient, and described as more acceptable than clinic-based HIV-testing, mostly because of privacy and confidentiality. However, socially regulated discourses around appropriate sexual behaviour and perceptions of stigma and prejudice regarding HIV and sexual risk-taking were consistently reported. This study suggests several avenues to improve HIV-testing acceptability, including implementing diverse and personalised approaches to HIV-testing and care, and providing opportunities for antiretroviral therapy initiation and care at home. specialized South Africa HIV testing community UTT treatment as prevention AFRIQUE DU SUD 056 108 Aids Care : Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of Aids/Hiv 28 3 14-23 2016 0954-0121 https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010067746 10.1080/09540121.2016.1164805 0954-0121 [F B010067746] https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010067746 https://www.documentation.ird.fr/intranet/publi/2016/09/010067746.pdf Accès réservé (Intranet de l'IRD) IRD - Base Horizon / Pleins textes 2016-09-30 2022-12-08 fdi:010067746 fre