The Pacific Islands AIDS Foundation (PIAF) and the Cook Islands National HIV, STI & TB Committee have completed a study describing the treatment experiences of HIV positive people in Fiji, Guam, Kiribati, Samoa and Solomon Islands.
Titled Treatment is My Life Now: Experiences of treatments among people living with HIV in the Pacific Islands, the study summarises the results of qualitative research examining reasons for initiating, continuing and ceasing treatment among People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Pacific Islands. The research focuses specifically on diagnosis and medications, health services, anti-retroviral treatment (ART) adherence, alternative therapies, and attitudes to treatment. PLHIV were involved as peer researchers.
Funded by the Pacific Islands HIV and STI Response Fund, the study was launched in Fiji on 27 June 2013. In total, 49 PLHIV were interviewed: 23 in Fiji, 11 in Guam, 2 in Kiribati, 5 in Samoa and 8 in Solomon Islands.
