"If I've got this, then let me use it to try to help and change it." Perspectives on HIV cure and research participation: a qualitative interview study of women and migrants living with HIV in Australia.

BACKGROUND

People living with HIV who are women and/or migrants are underrepresented in cure-related trials, raising equity, acceptability, and research generalisability concerns (including those related to HIV clade representation).

OBJECTIVE

Explore perspectives of HIV cure-related research amongs a cohort of women and migrants people living with HIV.

METHODS

Alongside HIV community groups, people living with HIV who identified as women and/or spoke a non-English language at home attending infectious diseases clinic at a tertiary academic hospital in Melbourne, Australia were interviewed. These explored cure research knowledge and perceptions, participation motivations/barriers, and trial design preferences. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically using an inductive approach.

RESULTS

Twenty interviews were completed (four with interpreters). Median age was 50.5 years (range 32-75). Fourteen participants identified as female and six as male; 15 were born outside Australia. HIV cure research awareness was limited. Most described ongoing physical, psychological, and social impacts from HIV, reinforcing desire for a cure. Established relationships with HIV clinicians were central to research engagement. Additional motivators included personal benefit and altruism. Conversely, perceived risks, time commitments, and fear of unwanted sharing of HIV status were barriers. Participants emphasised culturally appropriate communication and meaningful community involvement is needed.

CONCLUSION

These participants view cure research with hope and hesitation. Equitable participation requires addressing structural and cultural barriers, improving communication, and embedding community perspectives into research. HIV providers are vital partners, working alongside communities to support informed decision-making, and help ensure that the path toward an HIV cure is shaped by, and for, those it serves.