Perspectives of Local Health Departments Among People Receiving HIV Services in a Southern “Ending the HIV Epidemic” Region: A Qualitative Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: IntroductionPublic health departments (HDs) are central to HIV prevention and care, yet client perspectives remain understudied. Before implementing a social network strategy within a HD, we examined how prior experiences with HDs influence engagement.MethodsWe conducted 17 in-depth interviews with Black sexual and gender minority individuals in Charlotte, North Carolina, to explore experiences with HDs.ResultsParticipants described emotional and navigational support during critical health encounters, including compassionate linkage to care and HIV/STI testing. Identity-affirming interactions and shared cultural backgrounds fostered trust and comfort. However, stigma, concerns about privacy, and intrusive exposure notifications created barriers and, in some cases, distrust of HDs.ConclusionsFindings underscore the importance of identity-concordant care and transparent communication. Tailoring partner services to address confidentiality and affirm identity is essential for public health approaches that build trust, reduce stigma, and meet the needs of underserved communities, ultimately improving engagement in HIV prevention and care.
Authors: Ian Dale, Alicia Diggs, Maria Esposito, Grace Galphin, Carol Golin, Eunice Okumu, Ujunwa Onyeama, Stephanie Sherard, Meagan Zarwell, Ann M Dennis
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,000
Funders: Simons Foundation, American Institute of Mathematics, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Università degli Studi di Siena, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, National Natural Science Foundation of China, China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, Lundbeckfonden, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, National Research Foundation of Korea, Knut och Alice Wallenbergs Stiftelse, Narodowe Centrum Nauki, Vetenskapsrådet, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Science, Technology and Innovation Commission of Shenzhen Municipality, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, National Institutes of Health, Australian Research Council, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute, Agencia de Innovación y Desarrollo de Andalucía, National Key Research and Development Program of China, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, NextGenerationEU
OpenAlex ID: W7161650332