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19:57
An Affordable HIV-1 Drug Resistance Monitoring Method for Resource Limited Settings
Published on: March 30, 2014
Experiencing uncertain HIV treatment delivery in a transitional setting: qualitative study.
1Centre for Research on Drugs and Health Behaviour, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK. sarah.bernays@lshtm.ac.uk
AIDS Care
|March 13, 2009
Summary
People living with HIV (PLHIV) in Serbia and Montenegro face anxiety due to inconsistent treatment availability. This uncertainty leads to PLHIV rationing medications and disengaging from advocacy, hindering anti-stigma efforts.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Virology
- Sociology
Background:
- Highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) offers potential for managing HIV as a chronic illness.
- Viral mutability necessitates high treatment adherence and consistent drug supply.
- Current focus is on individual patient adherence, neglecting state delivery consistency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the experiences of people living with HIV (PLHIV) and service providers regarding HIV treatment in Serbia and Montenegro.
- To understand the impact of inconsistent state-delivered HIV treatment on PLHIV.
- To identify coping mechanisms and consequences of treatment uncertainty.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted.
- Participants included 41 people living with HIV (PLHIV) and 18 HIV treatment service providers.
- Data analysis involved inductive and thematic approaches.
Main Results:
- Consistent HIV treatment delivery was compromised by frequent shortages.
- Access to reliable treatment supply information was limited and inconsistent.
- Treatment insecurity generated significant anxiety among PLHIV.
Conclusions:
- PLHIV experienced heightened anxiety due to systemic failures in treatment provision.
- Uncertainty led to the "individuation" of treatment, with PLHIV adopting rationing strategies.
- This disengagement has negative implications for HIV advocacy and anti-stigma initiatives.
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