Perspectives of Linkage to Care Among People Diagnosed With HIV

Abstract

Timely linkage to HIV care and treatment has led to improved individual and population benefits; however, 25%-31% of people diagnosed with HIV do not engage in care. Most linkage to care research has focused on larger metropolitan areas, but smaller metropolitan and rural areas encounter unique challenges to linkage to care. Our purpose was to examine factors influencing the decision to seek care by 27 people infected with HIV living in smaller metropolitan and rural areas of Florida. We used grounded theory methods to develop a theoretical model describing the decision-making process and participant recommendations within the context of stigma. Participants described support, defining care, activating care, conflicting messages of care, and pivotal events influencing the care decision. Findings highlight the complexities of HIV care and suggest a client-centered approach to address the multifaceted social and structural challenges people with HIV face in the journey from infection to care.

Barriers and facilitators of linkage to HIV care among HIV-infected young Chinese men who have sex with men: a qualitative study

“…Few qualitative studies have investigated issues related to the linkage to HIV care from the perspective of PLWH in China, in particular delayed diagnosis, late entry care after a HIV diagnosis, and factors influencing the decision to seek care [17, 18]. In China one study to date has examined barriers and facilitators of the linkage to and engagement in HIV care among HIV-infected MSM [15].…”

COVID-19 Pandemic Disrupts HIV Continuum of Care and Prevention: Implications for Research and Practice Concerning Community-Based Organizations and Frontline Providers

“…These factors will continue to impact negatively frontline providers' sprit, motivation, and mental health. Providers having day-to-day interactions with clients in primary care, outpatient, and prevention settings are poised to help PLWH and vulnerable individuals overcome HIV-related stigma, PrEP stigma, inadequate health insurance, and can help improve HIV testing rates [20][21][22][23][24][25]. Provider engagement of clients in referral-making processes seems to improve client access to HIV testing, PrEP, and primary care, even when provider caseloads are high, clients may lack insurance, and CBOs may fear losing clients and revenue to other CBOs [5,26,27].…”

Barriers and Facilitators of Linkage to and Engagement in HIV Care Among HIV-Positive Men Who Have Sex with Men in China: A Qualitative Study

“…1 Identification of HIV-positive individuals is necessary for entering the HIV care continuum [testing, linkage, antiretroviral therapy (ART), retention, and adherence] and achieving viral suppression. [2][3][4] Successful ART deployment depends on health system successes at every element within the HIV care continuum (also referred to as the HIV care cascade).…”