title: 'If I am given antiretrovirals I will think I am nearing the grave': Kenyan HIV serodiscordant couples' attitudes regarding early initiation of antiretroviral therapy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) - that is, at higher CD4 cell counts (>350 cells/μl) - is a potent HIV prevention strategy. The WHO recommends ART initiation by all HIV-infected individuals in HIV serodiscordant relationships to prevent HIV transmission, yet the acceptability of early ART among couples has not been well studied.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative study exploring HIV serodiscordant couples' attitudes toward early initiation of ART.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted eight focus group discussions and 20 in-depth interviews with members of heterosexual HIV serodiscordant couples in Kenya. Investigators iteratively applied inductive and deductive codes, developed matrices to identify patterns in codes, and reached consensus on key attitudes (motivations and barriers) related to early ART and one central, emerging theme.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most participants expressed interest in early initiation of ART, with maintaining health and preventing HIV transmission as key benefits. However, many identified personal concerns and potential barriers to wider community acceptance, including side-effects, adherence to life-long treatment, and stigma. The meaning of ART emerged as a fundamental consideration, with initiating therapy perceived as emblematic of the final stage of AIDS, when one was 'nearing the grave.' One particular challenge was what early ART might signify for someone who looks and feels healthy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  HIV serodiscordant couples recognized the potential benefits of early ART, but ART was frequently viewed as signifying AIDS and approaching mortality. Potential implementation of early ART presents challenges and an opportunity to re-orientate individuals toward a new image of ART as health-preserving for patients and partners.
authors.affiliation: aDepartment of Epidemiology bDepartment of Global Health cDepartment of Anthropology dDepartment of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA eJomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology fKenyatta National Hospital gKenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya.
authors.forename: Kathryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Curran
authors.forename: Kenneth
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ngure
authors.forename: Bettina
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Shell-Duncan
authors.forename: Sophie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vusha
authors.forename: Nelly R
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Mugo
authors.forename: Renee
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Heffron
authors.forename: Connie
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Celum
authors.forename: Jared M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Baeten
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007630:Kenya; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents