Explaining the hindering factors for accepting the disease, a barrier for the HIV/AIDS patients to seek treatment: A qualitative study

Not accepting the disease by HIV/AIDS patients causes a lot of side effects for the patients and their treatment process. This study aims00 to explain the hindering factors in accepting the disease by HIV-AIDS patients as a barrier for seeking treatment. Methods: This research is a part of a grounded theory study. The data were collected through semi- structured interviews. 13 patient participants, 3 family members and 2 health professionals were chosen based on goal-based sample among HIV/AIDS patients in AIDS and Behavioral Disease Consultation Center of Tehran Imam Khomeini Hospital. Data analysis was performed along with the sampling. Results: The data and the analysis of the data done with HIV/AID patients' experiences from hindering factors led to emerging two main classifications (personal factors and social factors) and five subdivisions. Conclusion: The existence of hindering factors in accepting the illness may delay treatment and accessing the health services. Therefore, it is suggested to take some necessary health, medical and advisory actions to identify and remove the hindering barriers.