Critical Delays in HIV Testing and Care

TLDR

HIV testing triggers psychological and social stresses, and stigma worsens distress, making timely testing essential for effective disease management. The article examines how HIV‑related stigma affects testing and care. It discusses delays in testing, disclosure of seropositive status, and their implications for health care.

Abstract

When learning of a positive HIV test, individuals face a host of psychological and social stresses. HIV-related stigma is associated with psychological distress and can interfere with coping, adjustment, and management of HIV disease. Effective management of HIV disease requires timely testing for HIV infection so that persons who are infected can learn of their serostatus and gain access to care, therefore benefiting from available treatment options. This article discusses the impact that HIV-related stigma has on HIV testing and care. Specifically, problems associated with delays in testing, disclosure of seropositive status, and implications for health care are presented.