“I'm sorry, you're positive:” A qualitative study of individual experiences of testing positive for HIV

Background: New CDC guidelines for testing as well as the introduction of rapid tests may increase the number of HIV tests conducted in the US. However, little is currently known about the experience of those receiving positive results. Methods: Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 50 participants who had recently learned they were HIV-positive in the San Francisco Bay Area. 92% were male, 36% were persons of color. Participants were asked to tell their story of testing positive for HIV. Interviews were transcribed for team-based narrative qualitative analysis. Results: The majority of participants were tested at either a hospital or HIV test site. While some suspected they might have HIV, most went in due to another health concern or for routine testing. Fifty-six percent had a rapid test. Test results were typically given by medical staff or test counselors. The manner in which the news was delivered affected an individual's experience. For 8 (16%) of the participants, the provider giving the results was so upset or agitated that it added to the participant's distress over the diagnosis. Responses to the news varied greatly – from being unable to hear anything the provider said after getting the results to immediately accepting the news and feeling ready for action. Conclusions: Because the time of diagnosis can play a pivotal role in both follow-up care and prevention decisions, HIV service providers need to be cognizant of the way in which the entire testing process, from waiting for results to delivery of the news, affects individuals.