Abstract
HIV stigma has a negative influence on antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and persistence and viral suppression. Immediate access to ART (RAPID ART) has been shown to accelerate viral suppression (VS) that is sustained up to one year after HIV diagnosis. Little is known about the role of RAPID ART in reducing individual-level stigma. We explored how stigma manifests in RAPID ART encounters and whether RAPID ART interventions influence individual-level HIV stigma during and in the time immediately after the diagnosis experience. We conducted in-depth interviews with 58 RAPID ART patients from three health clinics in San Francisco, CA, and Chicago, IL. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed. In the results, we discuss three main themes. First, Pre-Diagnosis HIV Beliefs, which included three sub-themes: HIV is "gross" and only happens to other people; HIV (Mis)education; and People are "living long and strong" with HIV. Second, Positive and Reassuring Messages During the RAPID Experience, which included two sub-themes: Correcting Misinformation and Early Interactions with People Living with HIV. Third, The RAPID ART Process Can Disrupt Stigma. RAPID ART encounters served as a potent mechanism to disrupt internalized stigma by providing accurate information and dispelling unhelpful myths through verbal and nonverbal messages. Reducing internalized stigma and misinformation about HIV at this early stage has the potential to reduce the effect of HIV stigma on ART initiation and adherence over time.