Stress and Coping During an HIV Cure-Related Trial with an Analytical Treatment Interruption: A Qualitative Assessment of the Experiences of Young Women in Durban, South Africa.

ABSTRACT: IntroductionYoung women in sub-Saharan Africa bear a disproportionate HIV burden yet rarely participate in cure-related studies. Analytical treatment interruptions (ATI), used to assess sustained control off therapy, raise clinical, ethical, and psychosocial concerns.MethodsWe conducted a longitudinal qualitative study within a Phase 2A ATI trial (NCT05281510) at the FRESH site in Durban, South Africa. Nineteen women living with HIV (median age 26) completed in-depth interviews at 4 timepoints. We applied framework analysis informed by the Lazarus-Folkman stress and coping model.ResultsParticipants enrolled to contribute to science, reduce pill burden, and due to trust in the clinical team. They anticipated viral rebound, resistance, stigma, and partner transmission. Over time, many report

SUBMITTER: Ahmed A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12905108 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature