title: [Why people delay seeking care after a positive HIV test: a qualitative study in Burkina].
abstract: Delayed care-seeking occurs when a person who received a positive HIV serology test result does not immediately seek medical treatment for this HIV infection. It has serious consequences for patient survival. This study aims to analyze the factors leading to delayed care-seeking in this circumstance.
  
  
  METHODS
  Applying a qualitative approach, we conducted individual interviews and focus groups in 9 community-based organizations of people living with HIV and AIDS in Burkina Faso. In total, 112 people including 70 HIV-positive patients, 30 healthcare providers, and 12 people leaving the laboratory after an HIV test, were interviewed. A thematic content analysis identified the factors that delayed care-seeking.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Several factors explain the delay in seeking care. The weight of the negative representations of HIV and AIDS, its impact on those diagnosed with them, and fear of stigmatization (especially by family members) are major factors in delayed care. The poor quality of pre- and post-test counseling is another factor. This study also shows that financial barriers remain important in this delay.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings suggest that earlier HIV care may be possible through efforts to reduce stigma, removal of financial barriers, and improvement of the quality of pre- and post-test counseling in mobile-device strategies and during large-scale testing campaigns.
authors.affiliation: Institut de recherche en sciences de la santé (IRSS), 03 BP 7192, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Yamego
authors.affiliation: Institut de recherche en sciences de la santé (IRSS), 03 BP 7192, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kouanda
authors.affiliation: Centre Murraz, Bobo-Diolasso, Burkina Faso.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Berthé
authors.affiliation: Institut de recherche en sciences de la santé (IRSS), 03 BP 7192, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Yaya-Bocoum
authors.affiliation: University of Copenhagen, Department of Anthropology, Øster Farimagsgade 5, DK-1353, Copenhagen K, Denmark.
authors.forename: Q
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Gausset
authors.affiliation: University of Copenhagen, Department of Anthropology, Øster Farimagsgade 5, DK-1353, Copenhagen K, Denmark.
authors.forename: H O
authors.initials: HO
authors.lastname: Mogensen
authors.affiliation: Centre Murraz, Bobo-Diolasso, Burkina Faso.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Konaté
authors.affiliation: PAMAC, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ky-Zerbo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002050:Burkina Faso; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Burkina Faso; HIV; stigmatization; testing