Coping Mechanisms of Previously Diagnosed and New HIV-Discordant, Heterosexual Couples Enrolled in a Pilot HIV Self-Testing Intervention Trial in Central Uganda
Abstract:Introduction: Learning that a couple has HIV-discordant results can create tensions in the relationship including separation. We explored the coping mechanisms of HIV-discordant, heterosexual couples enrolled in an HIV self-testing (HIVST) intervention trial in Central Uganda.Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was nested within a pilot HIVST intervention trial targeting pregnant women and their male partners in central Uganda. In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 individuals from 13 HIV-discor… Show more
“…This support followed selective disclosure on HIV status by study participants. These findings concur with those of a study by Matovu et al ( 2021 ), in Uganda indicating that the serodiscordant couples usually seek support from health workers, friends and relatives. Related to this, Dessalegn et al ( 2019 ) in a study in Ethiopia, found that HIV disclosure for individual in serodiscordant relationships was sometimes delayed, with the likelihood for onward transmission.…”
Section: Discussionsupporting
confidence: 92%
“…The lack of support structures has a negative impact on the health of HIV serodiscordant couples since they are exposed to high-risk behaviour as partners. Similar results were obtained by Matovu et al ( 2021 ), who found that HIV-negative partners in discordant relationships are at risk of HIV infection. Pedrosa et al ( 2016 ) postulate that for couples in HIV serodiscordant relationships, the main sources of social support were from friends and family.…”
Introduction
South Africa has the largest HIV epidemic, with 8.2 million people living with the virus. It has a high HIV prevalence of 13.7% and 230,000 new infections in 2020. It is estimated that HIV serodiscordant couples contribute up to 60% of new HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa. However, there have been no specific programmes/activities to deliberately cater for couples in HIV serodiscordant relationships. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychosocial support provided for HIV serodiscordant couples both in health care settings and in the community.
Methods
An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) design was utilised for this study. In-depth interviews were conducted with thirteen HIV serodiscordant couples. Data collection was guided by an interview guide. All audio-recorded interview data were transcribed verbatim into written text. Data analysis was conducted using an interpretative phenomenological analysis framework. A third person-an expert in qualitative research, acted as an independent co-coder and conducted the open coding of each transcript.
Findings
The findings indicated that HIV serodiscordant couples received psychosocial support from their partners, family, and health care workers. This support was emotional, or in the form of counselling, reminders on taking medication, financial and household chores. The support provided by health care providers proved to be deficient and did not address the diverse needs of this group.
Conclusion
Psychosocial support plays a critical role in enhancing the quality of life of HIV serodiscordant couples. Therefore, client centred, and tailor-made interventions should be made available to this special with diverse needs group.
“…This support followed selective disclosure on HIV status by study participants. These findings concur with those of a study by Matovu et al ( 2021 ), in Uganda indicating that the serodiscordant couples usually seek support from health workers, friends and relatives. Related to this, Dessalegn et al ( 2019 ) in a study in Ethiopia, found that HIV disclosure for individual in serodiscordant relationships was sometimes delayed, with the likelihood for onward transmission.…”
Section: Discussionsupporting
confidence: 92%
“…The lack of support structures has a negative impact on the health of HIV serodiscordant couples since they are exposed to high-risk behaviour as partners. Similar results were obtained by Matovu et al ( 2021 ), who found that HIV-negative partners in discordant relationships are at risk of HIV infection. Pedrosa et al ( 2016 ) postulate that for couples in HIV serodiscordant relationships, the main sources of social support were from friends and family.…”
Introduction
South Africa has the largest HIV epidemic, with 8.2 million people living with the virus. It has a high HIV prevalence of 13.7% and 230,000 new infections in 2020. It is estimated that HIV serodiscordant couples contribute up to 60% of new HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa. However, there have been no specific programmes/activities to deliberately cater for couples in HIV serodiscordant relationships. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychosocial support provided for HIV serodiscordant couples both in health care settings and in the community.
Methods
An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) design was utilised for this study. In-depth interviews were conducted with thirteen HIV serodiscordant couples. Data collection was guided by an interview guide. All audio-recorded interview data were transcribed verbatim into written text. Data analysis was conducted using an interpretative phenomenological analysis framework. A third person-an expert in qualitative research, acted as an independent co-coder and conducted the open coding of each transcript.
Findings
The findings indicated that HIV serodiscordant couples received psychosocial support from their partners, family, and health care workers. This support was emotional, or in the form of counselling, reminders on taking medication, financial and household chores. The support provided by health care providers proved to be deficient and did not address the diverse needs of this group.
Conclusion
Psychosocial support plays a critical role in enhancing the quality of life of HIV serodiscordant couples. Therefore, client centred, and tailor-made interventions should be made available to this special with diverse needs group.
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