Abstract
Background: Early detection and treatment decreases HIV transmission rates and leads to risk reduction in those who are diagnosed. HIV-infected Guatemalans typically present with late-stage disease. Objective: We employed qualitative methods to explore barriers to HIV testing in Guatemala. Methods: In depth, qualitative interviews were conducted in an HIV testing and treatment facility in Guatemala City. These were analyzed using the methods of Grounded Theory. Results: Four major barriers impeded HIV testing in our subjects: psychological factors, stigma/discrimination, gender roles/machismo, and systemic barriers to care. Many of our patients’ fears were grounded in a reality of discrimination, while the systemic problems of the healthcare system reflected misunderstandings and fears on the part of healthcare workers. Discussion: Our findings are consonant with the international literature. Our narrative suggested potential interventions; presenting HIV testing as a way to “save one’s life” instead of an “automatic death sentence” might foster HIV testing and earlier diagnosis.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 23-29 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Social Medicine |
| Volume | 11 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| State | Published - 2017 |
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ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Health(social science)
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Cite this
Barriers to HIV testing in guatemala : A qualitative study. / Margolis, Lars; Medina, Narda; Samayoa, Blanca; Gon, Kimberly; Hagan, Brian; McKenna, Kevin; Alonzo, Karla; Arathoon, Eduardo; Anderson, Matthew R.
In: Social Medicine, Vol. 11, No. 1, 2017, p. 23-29.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Barriers to HIV testing in guatemala
T2 - A qualitative study
AU - Margolis, Lars
AU - Medina, Narda
AU - Samayoa, Blanca
AU - Gon, Kimberly
AU - Hagan, Brian
AU - McKenna, Kevin
AU - Alonzo, Karla
AU - Arathoon, Eduardo
AU - Anderson, Matthew R.
PY - 2017
Y1 - 2017
N2 - Background: Early detection and treatment decreases HIV transmission rates and leads to risk reduction in those who are diagnosed. HIV-infected Guatemalans typically present with late-stage disease. Objective: We employed qualitative methods to explore barriers to HIV testing in Guatemala. Methods: In depth, qualitative interviews were conducted in an HIV testing and treatment facility in Guatemala City. These were analyzed using the methods of Grounded Theory. Results: Four major barriers impeded HIV testing in our subjects: psychological factors, stigma/discrimination, gender roles/machismo, and systemic barriers to care. Many of our patients’ fears were grounded in a reality of discrimination, while the systemic problems of the healthcare system reflected misunderstandings and fears on the part of healthcare workers. Discussion: Our findings are consonant with the international literature. Our narrative suggested potential interventions; presenting HIV testing as a way to “save one’s life” instead of an “automatic death sentence” might foster HIV testing and earlier diagnosis.
AB - Background: Early detection and treatment decreases HIV transmission rates and leads to risk reduction in those who are diagnosed. HIV-infected Guatemalans typically present with late-stage disease. Objective: We employed qualitative methods to explore barriers to HIV testing in Guatemala. Methods: In depth, qualitative interviews were conducted in an HIV testing and treatment facility in Guatemala City. These were analyzed using the methods of Grounded Theory. Results: Four major barriers impeded HIV testing in our subjects: psychological factors, stigma/discrimination, gender roles/machismo, and systemic barriers to care. Many of our patients’ fears were grounded in a reality of discrimination, while the systemic problems of the healthcare system reflected misunderstandings and fears on the part of healthcare workers. Discussion: Our findings are consonant with the international literature. Our narrative suggested potential interventions; presenting HIV testing as a way to “save one’s life” instead of an “automatic death sentence” might foster HIV testing and earlier diagnosis.
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M3 - Article
VL - 11
SP - 23
EP - 29
JO - Social Medicine
JF - Social Medicine
SN - 1557-7112
IS - 1
ER -