Concepts of emotional support in linkage to HIV care: A qualitative assessment

Background: All types of support, cognitive (teaching), emotional (feelings), and tangible (receipt of goods), are needed to transition someone to HIV care. Lack of appropriate support at diagnosis is a potential reason some may delay seeking treatment  Current standard of care focuses on cognitive support (information about HIV, the importance of care, preventing transmission, partner notification) and tangible support (how to access services) at diagnosis. However, our previous research indicated emotional support as the most critical immediately following diagnosis. This analysis explored components of emotional support needs that could help people when transitioning to care.

Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of qualitative data using transcript data from 27 people with HIV who were interviewed about their experiences seeking care after an HIV diagnosis. Transcripts were coded to identify concepts in the data related to types of support.

Findings: Participants identified emotional support as critical for transition during the crisis/grief stage after an HIV diagnosis. Components of emotional support that aided linkage were identification (knowing others are like them), connection (health care system maintaining contact), and navigation (someone to be there during the process of linkage). Most felt emotional support was best delivered by a peer advocate, support group, family member, or professional counselor.

Conclusions: Public health professionals often see diagnosis as an opportunity to provide necessary cognitive support, and tangible support. However, these types of support may not facilitate entry into care if emotional support needs are not met first.