Universal HIV testing and treatment and HIV stigma reduction: a comparative thematic analysis of qualitative data from the HPTN 071 (PopART) trial in South Africa and Zambia

• DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.13208
• Publication Date: 2020-10-21T15:28:19Z
• Authors: Lario Viljoen; Virginia A. Bond; Lindsey J. Reynolds; Constance Mubekap...; Dzunisani Baloyi; Rhoda Ndubani; Anne Stangl; Janet Seeley; Triantafyllos Pli...; Peter Bock; Sarah Fidler; Richard Hayes; Helen Ayles; James R. Hargreaves; Graeme Hoddinott
• Keywords: Stigma; Thematic Analysis; Qualitative property

Abstract Despite continued development of effective HIV treatment, expanded access to care and advances in prevention modalities, HIV‐related stigma persists. We examine how, the context a universal HIV‐testing treatment trial South Africa Zambia, increased availability services influenced conceptualisations HIV. Using qualitative data, we explore people’s stigma‐related experiences living ‘intervention’ ‘control’ study communities. conducted exploratory data analysis from cohort 150 households 13 communities, collected between 2016 2018. found that as normative (non‐exceptional) visibility people with (PLHIV) household community spaces impacted opportunities for stigma. There was shift narratives towards individual responsibility take up (assumingly) widely available service – PLHIV their own health prevent onward transmission. Based on empirical show that, despite growing acceptance testing services, anticipated persists through mechanism shifting responsibilisation. To mitigate responsibilisation PLHIV, heath implementers need adapt anti‐stigma messaging especially focus