Stigma hinders couples with HIV and AIDS in rural Uganda from accessing services.

This qualitative study aimed at finding out client and provider-related factors that hinder uptake of HIV and AIDS services for couples. Eight focus group discussions involving men and women were done. The discussions were separate and of mixed sexes but did not include couples. Also 14 interviews with key informants were undertaken. These comprised of four counsellors six expert clients (clients council representative selected by clients through secret ballot) one district health officer and three day care supervisors (HIV-positive person who supervises clients representatives and drama) in Soroti Tororo and Mbale districts. (excerpt)