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Irregular or delayed attendance at HIV treatment clinics among HIV-positive individuals can have negative implications for clinical outcomes and may ultimately undermine the effectiveness of national treatment programmes. This study explores factors influencing attendance at HIV clinic appointments among patients in a rural ward in north-west Tanzania. Forty-two in-depth interviews (IDI) and four focus group discussions were conducted with HIV-infected persons who had been referred to a nearby antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic, and IDI were undertaken with 11 healthcare workers involved in diagnosis, referral and care of HIV-positive patients. The Health Belief Model was applied to explore the role of health-related beliefs and the perceived barriers and benefits associated with regular clinic attendance. Perceived susceptibility to HIV-related illnesses emerged as an important factor influencing clinic …