Human Immunodeficiency Virus Test Anxiety of Adult Individuals Undergoing Human Immunodeficiency Virus Testing at an Anonymous Testing Center in Türkiye: A Qualitative Study

AIM: This study aims to determine the anxiety levels of individuals who will undergo human immunodeficiency virus testing.

METHODS: This qualitative, inductive, content analysis study was conducted with 10 individuals applying to an anonymous human immunodeficiency virus testing center in Türkiye. Data were collected through semi-structured, face-to-face, and in-depth interviews and analyzed using an inductive content analysis approach. A total of 10 participants, eight of whom were male, aged between 22 and 30, took part in the study.

RESULTS: The analysis of the data revealed two main themes. The main themes examined were “Sensitivity” and “Disease Anxiety.” Within the theme of “Disease Anxiety,” four subthemes were identified. In this subtheme, the physical, sexual, psychological, and social consequences of being human immunodeficiency virus positive emerged.

CONCLUSIONS: It was observed that undergoing an human immunodeficiency virus test created disease anxiety in the participants. When providing counseling to individuals undergoing an human immunodeficiency virus test, appropriate counseling should be given to individuals experiencing anxiety during or after the test.

Cite this article as: Muslu, A., Yaman .elik, S. N., Kilci Erciyas, Ş., & Emre, A. S. (2025). Human immunodeficiency virus test anxiety of adult individuals undergoing human immunodeficiency virus testing at an anonymous testing center in Türkiye: A qualitative study. Florence Nightingale Journal of Nursing, 33, 0242, doi:10.5152/FNJN.2025.24242.