HIV Research and Clinical Practice · Published 2026-05-20 · DOI 10.1080/25787489.2026.2673739
Catherine K. Koofhethile, Poloko Kebaabetswe, Ontlametse T. Choga, Fikile Ditshweu, Pearl Ntshonga, Bonolo R. Molefe, Oganne Batlang, Patrick Mokgethi, Tsholofelo Mosielele, Phenyo Sabone, Pearl Kgoreletso, Amantle Gouwe, Keitumetse Mosepele, Rashida Majola, Dorcas Maruapula, Kaelo Seatla, Wonderful Choga, Gbolahan Ajibola, Joseph Makhema, Gaerolwe Masheto, Xu Yu, Sikhulile Moyo, Mathias Lichterfeld, Shahin Lockman, Roger Shapiro
Background Current research suggests that post-treatment HIV control may be possible for some people following antiretroviral treatment (ART) interruption. Although closely monitored analytic treatment interruption (ATI) studies can be performed safely and are crucial to determine who may no longer require ART, currently it is unknown how acceptable these studies will be in Botswana. Aim To determine the knowledge, attitudes and acceptability of ATI-inclusive studies in Botswana. Methods We employed a non-randomized purposive design to recruit study participants. We conducted face-to-face open-ended interviews with 12 young people living with HIV and 8 caregivers, 8 healthcare providers and 4 community advocates in Gaborone and Palapye. Results Thirty-two (32) participants consented to be interviewed. The median age of young people living with HIV was 29 years. All young people living with HIV indicated that they were on ART and acknowledged the benefits of being on ART. All young people living with HIV were unaware of ATIs, whereas 6 out of 8 caregivers, 6 out of 8 healthcare providers and 2 out of 4 community advocates had never heard of ATIs. Most participants found ATI research to be acceptable and believed that it would be beneficial provided there were adequate risk mitigations in place. Conclusions ATI studies were acceptable to both young people living with HIV and their caregivers. There was limited knowledge about ATI, highlighting a need to inform communities and health care providers on the scientific aspects of ATI and HIV cure research.
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Koofhethile, C., Kebaabetswe, P., Choga, O., et al. (2026). Perceptions of young people living with HIV and caregivers in Botswana on analytical treatment interruption studies: a qualitative approach. HIV Research and Clinical Practice. https://doi.org/10.1080/25787489.2026.2673739