Insights into the social context of living with a dual diagnosis of HIV and cancer: a qualitative, thematic analysis of popular discourse in London newspapers

ABSTRACT

As growing numbers of people living with HIV also develop cancer, a holistic understanding of their experiences is essential to the provision of patient centred care. Both conditions are linked to powerful beliefs in our society that may affect experiences. This study explored how HIV and cancer were represented in UK newspapers to gain insight into the social context of living with a dual diagnosis. We performed an initial content analysis of HIV articles and of cancer articles published in the free London newspapers, The Metro and The Evening Standard between 2012 and 2017, followed by qualitative thematic analysis and in-depth analysis of selected articles of exemplar cases. Both conditions were presented very differently. The underlying subtext was that cancer could happen to any of us. HIV was framed as a potentially dangerous, stigmatising phenomenon affecting “others”. Popular discourse about HIV within news media remains largely negative and stigmatising. People living with a dual diagnosis of HIV and cancer may choose to prioritise the sharing of the more socially acceptable condition, cancer, in order to access support. The negotiation of cancer healthcare services is likely to be adversely influenced by the social burden of HIV related stigma.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV
• cancer
• patient experience (non MESH term)
• dual diagnosis (non MESH term)

Acknowledgements

EH conducted the database search, extracted the data, performed both the content and thematic analysis of the data and wrote the manuscript. MS contributed to the development of the methods used within the study, contributed to the thematic analysis and interpretation of the findings and commented on all versions of the manuscript. FS contributed to the development of the methods used within the study, contributed to the thematic analysis and interpretation of the findings and commented on all versions of the manuscript

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.