HIV Stigma, HIV status disclosure, and ART adherence in the context of an integrated opioid use disorder and HIV treatment setting in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

ABSTRACT Little is known about social factors, including stigma, that affect antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among people enrolled in opioid use disorder treatment (OUDT) in the context of integrated OUDT and HIV treatment models. We qualitatively examined the relationship between HIV stigma, HIV status disclosure, and ART adherence among clients living with HIV at an OUDT clinic with integrated HIV services in Tanzania. We conducted in-depth interviews with 25 clients receiving HIV care at an OUDT clinic in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania between January and April 2020. HIV stigma, particularly anticipated stigma, and HIV status disclosure were key factors that affected ART adherence. Participants feared non-voluntary HIV status disclosure to and HIV stigma from their peers enrolled in OUDT. Most participants reported concealing their HIV status from peers at the OUDT clinic and not associating with other clients living with HIV at the clinic. Reducing HIV stigma and enhancing clinic structures and procedures to maintain privacy and confidentiality are essential to mitigating the effects of stigma on ART adherence.