Addressing social science in a HIV Treatment as Prevention trial in South Africa
Models show that universal HIV testing and early antiretroviral treatment (ART) could lead to reduced HIV incidence and potential eradication under assumptions that have yet to be observed in real life – high coverage and frequent repeat HIV testing, high levels of linkage and retention in care. ANRS 12249 Treatment as Prevention (TasP) trial in rural KwaZulu-Natal aims to evaluate acceptability, feasibility and efficacy of this strategy. It has two components: home-based testing of all ≥16 years every six months with immediate versus standard ART initiation for HIV-infected individuals (HIV+). TasP is a biomedical intervention raising unprecedented social challenges. Relationships between individual and community factors, their interactions and implications are all being investigated using innovative quantitative and qualitative tools. Key issues addressed include: Who accepts repeat testing/immediate ART and why? What are the obstacles? How TasP impacts on people’s lives in terms of quality of life; HIV disclosure; stigmatisation, relationships; sexual behaviours; perceptions; social support; treatment experience and adherence? Economic impact for households and health care systems? What are the changes at community level during TasP implementation and influences on individual behaviours? These are investigated in three groups: the general population; HIV+ attending clinics; and those who do not entre care, for a comprehensive understanding of the determinants of uptake.
2nd International Conference for the Social Sciences and Humanities in HIV