Determinants of late diagnosis of HIV infection in Spain

Abstract

The main goal of this study was to analyse the determinants of late diagnosis of HIV infection. Secondly, westudied the role of the perception of risk and sexual orientation in HIV testing. Twenty-five people withlate HIV diagnosis were interviewed. They were contacted through hospitals and non-governmentalorganizations (NGOs). To design the interview, we integrated the variables considered in the main modelsof health-related behaviour. We followed a mixed strategy of analysis. Firstly, we carried out thematicanalysis of the interviews, followed by quantitative analysis of the initially qualitative data. The resultsrevealed that the most relevant determinants were the appraisal of the threat of HIV and the low perceptionof HIV risk. Also, the study found many missed opportunities for diagnosis in health-care setting. Lowperception of HIV risk was related to unrealistic optimism, low levels of information about HIV, and thepresence of stereotypes about people with HIV. High perception of HIV risk was related to strategies toavoid testing. Homosexuals reported a more positive balance between the benefits of knowing theirdiagnosis and having the disease. The results provide clues that can guide the design of future strategies topromote early diagnosis.