The Perceived Impact of U=U on HIV Status-sharing for Black Africans
Research type
Research Study
Full title
How is ‘Undetectable = Untransmittable’ (U=U) Perceived to Impact HIV Status-sharing for Heterosexuals of Black African Ethnicity Living in the UK?
IRAS ID
356512
Contact name
Belle Vickers-Graver
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Holloway University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The number of Black African heterosexuals (BAH) being diagnosed with HIV in the UK has risen recently, and there have been calls from government to explore the unique experiences of this group. Research shows that they are disproportionately impacted by poor mental and physical health, and poor treatment outcomes. Sharing HIV status with others can protect against some of these challenges. A recent campaign, ‘U=U’, has spread the fact that if people with HIV are taking their medications consistently and their viral load is undetectable, they can’t transmit HIV sexually. Awareness of this has been associated with more sharing of HIV status with others, but this has not yet been explored with BAH with HIV living in the UK. Research suggests that this group find disclosure difficult and are less likely to believe in the U=U message. Therefore, it follows to investigate whether/how U=U has supported this group to share their HIV status. This study will interview BAH living with HIV in the UK to explore the perceived impact of U=U on their decisions to disclose to others. It is expected that there might be some unique findings that give insight into decision making around disclosure for this group.
REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0413
Date of REC Opinion
17 Jun 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion