title: Recently diagnosed gay men talk about HIV treatment decisions.
abstract: Background In recent years, there has been increasing evidence that early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) may provide health benefits for those infected with HIV. There has also been significant discussion about the role of HIV treatment in preventing onward transmission of the virus. Early provision and uptake of ART to people recently diagnosed with HIV could achieve both individual and public health outcomes. The success of such an initiative relies, in part, on the preparedness of those recently diagnosed with HIV to engage with the therapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  The HIV Seroconversion Study collects both quantitative and qualitative data from people in Australia who have recently been diagnosed with HIV. During 2011-2012, 53 gay or bisexual men recruited across Australia took part in semistructured interviews as part of the study. The men were asked about their knowledge and experience of, and their decisions about whether or not to commence, HIV treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The interviews identified differing levels of knowledge about HIV treatments and divergent views about the health and prevention benefits of ART. For some, treatments provided a sense of control over the virus; others were apprehensive and distrustful, and preferred to resist commencing treatments for as long as possible.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  If early initiation of treatment is to be encouraged, appropriate measures must be in place to ensure recently diagnosed individuals have access to the appropriate information and the support they need to enable them to make informed choices and, if necessary, to address their fears.
authors: The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
authors: Ian
authors: I
authors: Down
authors: The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
authors: Garrett
authors: G
authors: Prestage
authors: The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
authors: Kathy
authors: K
authors: Triffitt
authors: Australian Research Centre in Sex Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Vic. 3000, Australia.
authors: Graham
authors: G
authors: Brown
authors: The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
authors: Jack
authors: J
authors: Bradley
authors: The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
authors: Jeanne
authors: J
authors: Ellard