Assessing social preparedness for antiretroviral therapy in a generalized AIDS epidemic: a diffusion of innovations approach.
Researchers conducted focus groups in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa concerning AIDS and treatment options. Constituent groups included adults aged 25-45, HIV/AIDS caregivers, HIV-positive adults, nurses, rural elders, teenagers, and traditional healers. This pilot work aimed to gather early evidence on perceptions about the government's rollout of antiretroviral treatment (ART), identify potential barriers to success, and inform a subsequent pilot survey. Diffusion of innovations theory was used to interpret the data and helped identify potential obstacles to the ART rollout. AIDS stigma and a weakened healthcare system were negatively impacting the program. There was a lack of accurate knowledge about HIV/AIDS and antiretroviral treatment, with wide disparities among groups. Many people were not convinced that antiretroviral treatment is superior to other treatments, and a few people were afraid it was poisonous. There was no evidence that people were aware of the long-term difficulties of adherence to the regimen.
Mitchell
Shannon K
SK
Department of Economics, Virginia Commonwealth University, P.O. Box 844000, Richmond, VA, 23284-4000, USA. smitchel@vcu.edu
Kelly
Kevin J
KJ
Potgieter
François E
FE
Moon
Martha W
MW
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D058872:Epidemics; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006608:Hierarchy, Social; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D013240:Stereotyping; D055815:Young Adult
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents