“I Haven’t Been Ill, I Know It’s There”: a Case Study Examination of the Social, Behavioral, Clinical, and Structural Factors That Contribute to Sustained Viremia among Women Living with HIV

Compared to their HIV-seropositive male counterparts, HIV-seropositive women are less likely to achieve and retain viral suppression (VS). Data regarding the social, behavioral, clinical, and structural factors that facilitate or impede viral suppression among HIV-seropositive women is needed. This study aims to examine HIV-seropositive women’s perceptions regarding factors that contribute to their HIV treatment decisions. Two case studies describe the HIV treatment decision-making of two never suppressed, HIV-seropositive women aged 65 and 54. The framework method of analysis was employed to obtain a descriptive overview of three interrelated areas of inquiry: (1) the meanings women give to VS; (2) social, behavioral, clinical, and structural obstacles related to HIV medication adherence; and (3) women’s perceptions of what they need to achieve and sustain (VS). The meaning of VS for both women is influenced by how they currently feel. Women’s general feeling of wellness detracts from any sense of urgency that may be associated with engaging in HIV treatment. Mistrust of medical providers and unstable housing/unemployment pose as obstacles to medication adherence. Finally, women’s accounts of what they need to achieve and remain virally suppressed are influenced by a gap in understanding related to HIV treatment. HIV clinicians should routinely measure their patients’ HIV health literacy to ensure patients understand when to begin and why they should continue an HIV treatment regimen. To increase their capacity to provide appropriate HIV care, providers should take into consideration how patients’ life experiences and social locations influence their HIV treatment decision-making.