“I have it just like you do”: voices of HIV-negative partners in serodifferent relationships receiving primary care at a public clinic in San Francisco

Abstract

HIV transmission among serodifferent couples has a significant impact on incidence of HIV worldwide. Antiretroviral interventions (i.e., preexposure prophylaxis, post-exposure prophylaxis, and treatment as prevention) are important aspects of comprehensive prevention and care for serodifferent couples. In this study, HIV-negative members of serodifferent couples were interviewed using open-ended questions to explore their health-care needs, perceptions of clinic-based prevention services, and experience of having an HIV-infected partner. Analysis of interviews with 10 HIV-negative partners revealed the following themes: (1) health needs during joint medical visits; (2) sexual risk reduction strategies; (3) relationship dynamics; and (4) strategies for coping. This study elucidated relationship, health and health care factors that might affect development and implementation of clinic-based prevention interventions for HIV serodifferent couples. The findings point to possible relationship-centered recommendations for health-care providers who serve HIV-affected couples in clinical settings.

Keywords:

• HIV serodiscordant
• HIV infection prevention and control
• sexual partners
• HIV seronegativity

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge the participants for their willingness to share their stories, and Lindsay Rogers and Adam Chagani for their contributions to the editing of this manuscript.