ABSTRACT
Previous quantitative studies suggest a mutually reinforcing relationship between HIV counselling and testing (HCT) and antiretroviral treatment (ART). HCT is the entry into ART; and access to ART appears to increase HIV-testing uptake in settings with historically low uptake. Adopting a qualitative approach; this study examined the influence of ART on willingness to test for HIV; in a rural community in South Africa. Ninety-six in-depth interviews from a large community-based HIV-prevention trial were analysed. The data provide insight into the community members' views; perceptions and experiences regarding ART; and how they draw on these in making decisions about HIV testing. Several key factors that supported a positive relationship between ART and HIV testing were noted. These included the beliefs that ART brings hope and that it prolongs life; the powerful positive effect of witnessing the recovery of someone on treatment; and that ART encourages early HIV-testing behaviour. A few negative factors that could potentially weaken the effects of this positive relationship between ART and HCT uptake were the disclosure difficulties experienced by those enrolled in treatment; beliefs that ART does not cure HIV disease; and the travel distance to testing and treatment facilities from where people live and work. HIV/AIDS-service providers and programme planners should actively draw on these observations; to encourage increased HIV testing in communities and to ensure that the maximum number of people get the HIV treatment and care services that they require