Perceptions of young people living with HIV and caregivers in Botswana on analytical treatment interruption studies: a qualitative approach.

BACKGROUND

Current research suggests that post-treatment HIV control may be possible for some people following antiretroviral treatment (ART) interruption. Although closely monitored analytic treatment interruption (ATI) studies can be performed safely and are crucial to determine who may no longer require ART, currently it is unknown how acceptable these studies will be in Botswana.

AIM: To determine the knowledge, attitudes and acceptability of ATI-inclusive studies in Botswana.

METHODS

We employed a non-randomized purposive design to recruit study participants. We conducted face-to-face open-ended interviews with 12 young people living with HIV and 8 caregivers, 8 healthcare providers and 4 community advocates in Gaborone and Palapye.

RESULTS

Thirty-two (32) participants consented to be interviewed. The median age of young people living with HIV was 29 years. All young people living with HIV indicated that they were on ART and acknowledged the benefits of being on ART. All young people living with HIV were unaware of ATIs, whereas 6 out of 8 caregivers, 6 out of 8 healthcare providers and 2 out of 4 community advocates had never heard of ATIs. Most participants found ATI research to be acceptable and believed that it would be beneficial provided there were adequate risk mitigations in place.

CONCLUSIONS

ATI studies were acceptable to both young people living with HIV and their caregivers. There was limited knowledge about ATI, highlighting a need to inform communities and health care providers on the scientific aspects of ATI and HIV cure research.