UNCOVERING THE PERCEIVED BARRIERS OF USERS TO ACCESS TO TEST FOR HIV ELISA TEST

Abstract

Objective: Reveal the perceived barriers by users with unknown serology to access the Elisa test for HIV diagnosis. Method: A qualitative and descriptive study was undertaken through 30 in depth interviews to patients with unknown HIV status of two primary health care centers, which ones had request the test by themselves. The interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim after gaining the consent of the participants. The content analysis was performed according to Kripperdorff and was ensured the rigor criterion according Guba and Lincoln. Results: Three dimensions were identified through content analysis that correspond to the barriers: Fear for negative connotation of HIV test, Limited information provided by the center staff and Bureaucracy in the process of taking the HIV test. Conclusion: The barriers perceived for the patients appears by their own fears and by administrative aspects of the health centers, making difficult the voluntary access to undertake the HIV screening test.