False Starts in 'test and Start': a Qualitative Study of Reasons for Delayed Antiretroviral Therapy in Swaziland

Background: Test and start, antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all HIV-positive individuals, is a WHO-recommended treatment guideline. In Swaziland, test and start has been evaluated through the MaxART implementation study. This article examines why, in MaxART, some newly diagnosed HIV-positive clients delayed initiating ART.

Methods: Thirteen HIV-positive clients who delayed ART for ≥90 d after testing were identified from the MaxART study database and interviewed. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and translated into English for qualitative content analysis.

Results: Respondents had often tested positive several times before initiating ART, with the initial diagnosis sometimes completely unexpected. Repeat testing-and delayed ART-was linked to a desire to come to terms with their diagnosis and prepare for a lifelong treatment course. Clients previously enrolled in pre-ART, particularly with high CD4 counts, had internalized past messages about ART as being non-essential and taking care of oneself through other means. Concerns about ART-related adverse events were weighed against these messages. Worries about inadvertent disclosure and its impact on social and economic relationships also discouraged initiation.

Conclusion: Although potentially reducing logistical barriers, expedited ART initiation does not necessarily accommodate some clients' need for time to come to terms with the diagnosis and the prospect of lifelong treatment.