Abstract
The impact of the widespread availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on the human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) related attitudes, behaviours and practices of the general population in Sub-Saharan Africa is understudied. We assessed the impact of ART availability on the fear of HIV/ AIDS (measured at both community and personal levels) and HIV prevention practices in Rwimi, Uganda using a cross-sectional survey. The fear of HIV/AIDS was described as a perceived threat to either self and/or community regarding the risk of contracting the disease, whereby the higher the perception of the threat, the greater the fear. We assessed associations between the outcomes of the dependent variables on both the community and personal fear of HIV/AIDS, and the independent variables of HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and demographics. Qualitative data was also generated from focus group discussions (FGD) on the context of the fear of HIV/AIDS and HIV pre- vention practices. The majority of participants (89.4%; males - 86.8%; females - 90.8%) felt that ART availability has reduced the fear of HIV/AIDS in the community. In contrast, fewer participants (22.4%; males - 24.4%; females – 21.2%) mentioned that their personal fear of HIV/AIDS has been reduced with the availability of ART. From the qualitative study, factors identified as influencing the fear of HIV/AIDS included stigma, fear of infection, and the inconvenience of being on ART. Although fear of HIV/AIDS persists, the fear is reduced because of the availability of life-prolonging ART. HIV prevention practices are influenced by socio-cultural norms (gender roles, relationship dynamics, power and trust), which, we argue, should be considered when de-signing sustainable HIV/AIDS prevention programs.
Highlights
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) comprises a combination of drugs used to treat the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by suppressing the progression of the disease (World Health Organization 2017)
In Sub-Saharan Africa, which bears the highest number of HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases, some studies have found an association between ART availability and sexually risky behaviour among persons on ART (Diabate et al 2008; Pearson et al 2011)
Studies regarding the impact of ART availability on the general population are rare, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa
Summary
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) comprises a combination of drugs used to treat the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by suppressing the progression of the disease (World Health Organization 2017). There is, a concern about the availability of ART producing a negative effect on sexual behaviour resulting in relapse back into or continued risky behaviours among people living with HIV/AIDS and their sexual partners (Demmer 2003; Luchters et al 2008; Moatti et al 2003). Such undesirable changes in sexual behaviour have been attributed to “treatment optimism” – the belief that ART mitigates the risk and consequences of HIV/AIDS infection (Kaye et al 2013; Nachega et al 2005). There is a growing need for more comprehensive studies, which include the general population, to provide a more complete assessment of the impact of ART on sexual behaviour and HIV preventive endeavours
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