Uganda study explores HIV stigma and COVID-19 fear as barriers to maternal care

A qualitative study published in BMC Public Health explored HIV stigma, COVID-19–related fear and maternal health-seeking barriers in selected Ugandan districts between March and July 2025. Researchers purposively recruited pregnant and breastfeeding women, healthcare workers and community stakeholders for 12 focus group discussions, 24 in-depth interviews and 21 key informant interviews. They used reflexive thematic analysis guided by the Social Ecological Model; the supplied report does not state the total number of participants.

Participants described HIV stigma through gossip, discrimination, secrecy and moral judgment, influencing disclosure and access to care. COVID-19–related fear compounded isolation, movement restrictions and unintended HIV-status disclosure. These overlapping experiences were reported to disrupt antenatal attendance, antiretroviral therapy adherence and household relationships. Coping strategies included discreet medication delivery, peer support, telehealth communication and community education. Trust in healthcare workers and confidentiality were central to service use.

The findings identify potential priorities for stigma-sensitive maternal and HIV services, particularly confidential care and peer-led support. However, this qualitative, purposively sampled study does not quantify the frequency or magnitude of these barriers or establish causal effects. The proposed service approaches were not evaluated for effectiveness. The authors declared no competing interests and reported research funding from the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.