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AIDS and Behavior
Published in: AIDS and Behavior 10/2019

01-10-2019 | Human Immunodeficiency Virus | Original Paper

‘My Tablets are on Top of the Fridge’: The Roles of Relationship Desire and Medical Mistrust in ART Adherence for HIV-Positive MSM and Transgender Women Living in Rural South Africa

Authors: Joseph Daniels, Helen Struthers, Kabelo Maleke, Tim Lane, James McIntyre, Tom Coates

Published in: AIDS and Behavior | Issue 10/2019

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Abstract

Given the high HIV prevalence for men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women in South Africa, there is limited understanding of social determinants that influence antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence. Although universal testing and treatment (UTT) is available, ART adherence remains suboptimal. We conducted focus groups with MSM and transgender women in order to understand factors influencing their ART adherence in Mpumalanga, South Africa. All focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed and translated for analysis using a constant comparison approach, guided by the concept of Therapeutic Citizenship. We found there is medical mistrust of ART based on differing interpretations of HIV cure that may influence treatment adherence behaviors within social networks, and relationship desire had a significant influence on optimal ART adherence. Our findings suggest that clinics must provide interventions that integrate HIV disclosure and relationship skill-building to support optimal ART adherence for MSM and transgender women under UTT.
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Metadata
Title
‘My Tablets are on Top of the Fridge’: The Roles of Relationship Desire and Medical Mistrust in ART Adherence for HIV-Positive MSM and Transgender Women Living in Rural South Africa
Authors
Joseph Daniels
Helen Struthers
Kabelo Maleke
Tim Lane
James McIntyre
Tom Coates
Publication date
01-10-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
AIDS and Behavior / Issue 10/2019
Print ISSN: 1090-7165
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3254
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-019-02628-z

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