Navigating between rules and reality: a qualitative study of HIV positive MSM’s experiences of communication at HIV clinics in Sweden about the rules of conduct and infectiousness

The rules of conduct given to people living with HIV in Sweden in accordance with the Swedish Communicable Diseases Act stipulate disclosure obligation to sexual partners and mandatory condom use. Since 2013, treating physicians have the possibility to exempt patients from this disclosure obligation when no considerable risk of transmission is present. This study explored experiences of communication with clinical staff at HIV clinics regarding rules of conduct and infectiousness among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV in Sweden. In-depth interviews were carried out with 10 MSM living with HIV in Sweden. Study participants all reported unmeasurable viral loads. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Five categories and one theme, “Navigating between rules and reality”, were identified. We found that MSM living with HIV had good relationships with clinical staff at HIV clinics. Inconsistencies emerged regarding how they experienced receiving information about the rules of conduct and infectiousness. The findings indicate that lack of sound routines regarding how information and rules of conduct are communicated negatively affects MSM living with HIV and poses potential risks for the individual. The participants’ expressed trust in staff at HIV clinics can provide a good basis for improved communication.