Christopher Pell1,2, Eva Vernooij1,3, Nelisiwe Masilela4, Njabulo Simelane4, Fortunate Shabalala1,5, Ria Reis1,6,7. 1. Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 166, 1018 WV, The Netherlands. 2. Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), AHTC, Tower C4, Paasheuvelweg 25, 1105 BP, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 3. Theory and History of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. 4. Clinton Health Access Initiative, Mbabane, Swaziland. 5. Department of Community Health Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Swaziland, Mbabane, Swaziland. 6. Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands. 7. Children's Institute, School of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
Abstract
Background: Test and start, antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all HIV-positive individuals, is a WHO-recommended treatment guideline. In Swaziland, test and start has been evaluated through the MaxART implementation study. This article examines why, in MaxART, some newly diagnosed HIV-positive clients delayed initiating ART. Methods: Thirteen HIV-positive clients who delayed ART for ≥90 d after testing were identified from the MaxART study database and interviewed. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and translated into English for qualitative content analysis. Results: Respondents had often tested positive several times before initiating ART, with the initial diagnosis sometimes completely unexpected. Repeat testing-and delayed ART-was linked to a desire to come to terms with their diagnosis and prepare for a lifelong treatment course. Clients previously enrolled in pre-ART, particularly with high CD4 counts, had internalized past messages about ART as being non-essential and taking care of oneself through other means. Concerns about ART-related adverse events were weighed against these messages. Worries about inadvertent disclosure and its impact on social and economic relationships also discouraged initiation. Conclusion: Although potentially reducing logistical barriers, expedited ART initiation does not necessarily accommodate some clients' need for time to come to terms with the diagnosis and the prospect of lifelong treatment.
Background: Test and start, antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all HIV-positive individuals, is a WHO-recommended treatment guideline. In Swaziland, test and start has been evaluated through the MaxART implementation study. This article examines why, in MaxART, some newly diagnosed HIV-positive clients delayed initiating ART. Methods: Thirteen HIV-positive clients who delayed ART for ≥90 d after testing were identified from the MaxART study database and interviewed. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and translated into English for qualitative content analysis. Results: Respondents had often tested positive several times before initiating ART, with the initial diagnosis sometimes completely unexpected. Repeat testing-and delayed ART-was linked to a desire to come to terms with their diagnosis and prepare for a lifelong treatment course. Clients previously enrolled in pre-ART, particularly with high CD4 counts, had internalized past messages about ART as being non-essential and taking care of oneself through other means. Concerns about ART-related adverse events were weighed against these messages. Worries about inadvertent disclosure and its impact on social and economic relationships also discouraged initiation. Conclusion: Although potentially reducing logistical barriers, expedited ART initiation does not necessarily accommodate some clients' need for time to come to terms with the diagnosis and the prospect of lifelong treatment.
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