Reactions, beliefs and concerns associated with providing hair specimens for medical research among a South African sample: a qualitative approach

In order to optimize treatment outcome among antiretroviral therapy users, there is a strong imperative to engage in continued monitoring and maintenance of therapeutic drug levels in patients. The aim of this study was to document the perspectives, beliefs, and concerns of South African antiretroviral therapy users providing hair specimens to determine antiretroviral drug levels. Twenty-one women living with HIV were recruited from a community health center in the Western Cape. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and analyzed using Atlas.ti version 6. Although participants identified several cultural beliefs influencing their decision to provide hair specimens for drug level measurement, nearly all agreed that they would be willing to do so if provided with enough information by the researcher.