A Study to Understand Community Response to the availability of
Antiretroviral Therapy in South Africa
Mickey Chopra, Carl Kendall, Zelee Hill, Nikki
Schaay, Lungiswa L. Nkonki and Tanya M. Doherty
AIDS 2006, 20:1975–1986 |
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Summary
Due to a reduction in the cost of antiretroviral therapies (ARTs), evidence
of feasibility from pilot studies and global funding initiatives ARTs are
becoming increasingly available in developing countries. The South African
government's 'Operational Plan for Comprehensive HIV and AIDS Care and
Treatment' aims to provide HIV care to the estimated 1.4 million South
Africans and permanent residents who require it within five years. This
ambitious roll out will not only improve the lives of those living with
HIV/AIDS but also has implications for the progression of the HIV epidemic.
The purpose of this study was to improve our understanding of community
opinions, experiences and attitudes to HIV and HIV medication and how these
are changing with the roll out of ART. The study focussed on exploring
issues around:
- Perception of HIV/AIDS
- Uptake of VCT
- Risk behaviours
- Disclosure of HIV status
- Stigma and discrimination
- Quality of care
- Adherence to HIV medication
- Psycho-social impact of HIV/AIDS
The study has helped us understand the pathways through which ARTs may
influence the HIV epidemic and provides important information for policy
makers.
Author of summary: Tanya Doherty, HST
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