Understanding stigma as a barrier to cancer prevention and treatment: a qualitative study among people living with HIV in Uganda and Zambia.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Extended life expectancy due to treatment improvements has increased the diagnosis of cancer among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Africa. Despite documented impacts of stigma on cancer preventive behaviours and care, little is known about the intersections of cancer and HIV stigma and the effects on prevention and care behaviours for both conditions. This study aims to examine experiences and drivers of cancer stigma and their associations with access to and utilisation of cancer prevention services among PLWH.

Design

This was a qualitative study consisting of eight focus group discussions with PLWH and 14 key informant interviews with HIV healthcare providers collected in January 2024.

Setting

Data were collected from two districts of Uganda and Zambia.

SUBMITTER: Guy K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11904343 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature