AUTHOR=Sojak Lubomir , Simekova Katarina , Piesecka Lubica , Wiesinger Milos , Jarcuska Pavol 

TITLE=Attitudes and Perspectives of People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Findings From the Positive Perspectives Survey in Slovakia

JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health

VOLUME=66

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2021.642869

DOI=10.3389/ijph.2021.642869

ISSN=1661-8564

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Objectives:</bold> To investigate the perspectives and attitudes of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) in Slovakia.</p><p><bold>Methods:</bold> A cross-sectional, computer-assisted web survey on health status, emotional support, stigmatisation, communication with physician, treatment, perception, decision-making, concerns, and treatment history. A representative sample of &gt;10% of all PLHIV (<italic>N</italic> = 895) in Slovakia was invited to participate.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> Mean age of the 117 respondents was 35.4 (±8.9) years, 52.8% had higher education, and 67.0% were in full-time employment. Most (89.4%) were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 81.8% had undetectable viral load. Most (85.1%) were satisfied with their ART, and side effects were the primary reason for switching therapies. Most (60.8%) had informed only close friends or relatives about their HIV status, only 3 (2.9%) spoke openly about it, and 60.0% hid their ART from others. Of the 31 respondents (31.6%) who experienced stigmatisation, it was primarily from dentists and other physicians who refused to treat them.</p><p><bold>Conclusion:</bold> In general, PLHIV in Slovakia receive ART and are satisfied with it. They do not speak openly about their HIV status, and some have experienced discrimination.</p>