In Uganda, due to the criminalization of same-sex sexual practices, men who have sex with men (MSM) experience barriers to accessing HIV care. To retain patients within the HIV Care Continuum, some health interventions have used patient navigators as an ancillary support service. To understand the potential care benefits of using patient navigators for marginalized populations experiencing challenges to HIV care and treatment access in a Ugandan context, this qualitative study explored the experiences of newly diagnosed MSM using patient navigators for ARV retention in care in Kampala. Additionally, to gain insight into the feasibility of patient navigator interventions, this study also aimed to understand the perspectives and experiences of patient navigators working with HIV positive MSM. Individual in-depth, semi structured interviews were conducted with 24 HIV positive MSM and four patient navigators that were part of a patient navigator pilot program from January 2019 –December 2020. Analysis was done using manifest and latent qualitative content analysis. Results showed that HIV positive MSM in Uganda experienced a variety of social, emotional, and financial challenges that placed them at risk for dropping off the HIV Care Continuum. Patient navigators provided HIV positive MSM with the skills, support, and resources necessary to overcome these challenges. Based on study results, we conclude that within the patient navigator pilot program, patient navigators improved MSM participants’ quality of life by helping them to achieve the HIV Care Continuum stages: diagnosis, linked to care, receiving HIV treatment, and retention in care. Study results suggest future research is needed on the psychosocial support needs of patient navigators, how the support needs of MSM change throughout their lifetime on the HIV Care Continuum, and how potential benefits of patient navigators may differ in rural Ugandan contexts.

In Sweden men account for most new HIV cases, and little is known about the peer support needs of people living with HIV in Sweden. This qualitative study explored how recently diagnosed men perceive and experience peer support in Sweden. Purposively sampled from HIV patient organizations and infectious disease clinics throughout Sweden, data was collected through in-depth individual interviews with 10 men living with HIV, who have experience participating in peer support. Latent and manifest qualitative content analysis produced the overarching theme of Finding a safe space for learning and exploration. Participants used peer support to access key information and skills and as a space to safely explore life with HIV. Participants perceived successful peer support as having the right peer while also receiving support at the right location. Study recommendations include further research on how a peer is defined within the U = U era, further research on the peer support needs of young adults, and further research on the accessibility of peer support.