Lived experiences of people living with HIV: a descriptive qualitative analysis of their perceptions of themselves, their social spheres, healthcare professionals and the challenges they face daily

"Struggle against Bitter Life": Lived Experience of Iranian Nurses with HIV/AIDS

Objectives: The impact of HIV/AIDS on the healthcare system in many countries, particularly in developing countries is significant. Due to the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS in these countries, remarkable number of nurses have contracted HIV through their work. HIV/AIDS poses a major threat to people's physical and emotional health status as well as their social well-being and it has overwhelming effects on personal and social lives of HIV-positive people. HIV-positive nurses, like other patients, are subject to many stresses, but because of their special professional and social conditions they may bear more psychological and social burdens. Materials and methods: A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used to examine the everyday experiences of nurses who suffer HIV/AIDS. To conduct the study, six methodical steps which developed by van Manen (1990) applied in the process of the inquiry. Eight HIV-positive nurses were recruited and selected through a purposive sampling method. Data was collected by conducting 12 face-to-face in-depth semi-structured interviews with participants, two women and six men who became HIV-infected through occupational exposure. A thematic analysis method was used to extract themes and sub-themes. Results:Through thematic analysis of transcriptions, two main themes 'past, not passed' and 'struggle against bitter life' emerged. We found that the daily life of HIV/AIDS nurses is like a limbo between the past and the present. They are constantly trying to push themselves from this limbo of death to life. Conclusion:According to the results, participants were immersed in bitter memories of their past, which has always cast a dark shadow over their lives. Their lived space surrounded by many bitterness and adversities, yet they have the enthusiasm to move on with their lives and struggle day-to-day to maintain their relative health and have their job as a nurse. As result, management of HIV/AIDS is not only about fighting the virus, but it imposes many issues and problems on nurses, which should be given more attention and support.

Reasons of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among Chinese People Living with HIV/AIDS: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis

Background

Many countries and organizations recommended people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) receive the COVID-19 vaccine. However, vaccine hesitancy still exists and becomes a barrier for promoting COVID-19 vaccination among PLWHA.

Objective

This study aims to investigate factors that contributed to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among PLWHA.

Methods

The study used a multicenter cross-sectional design and an online survey mode. We recruited PLWHA aged 18-65 years from 5 metropolitan cities in China between January 2021 and February 2021. Participants completed an online survey through Golden Data, a widely used encrypted web-based survey platform. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess the background characteristics in relation to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, and structural equation modeling was performed to assess the relationships among perceived benefits, perceived risks, self-efficacy, subjective norms, and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.

Results

Among 1735 participants, 41.61% (722/1735) reported COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Older age, no other vaccinations in the past 3 years, and having chronic disease history were positively associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Structural equation modeling revealed a direct relationship of perceived benefits, perceived risks, and subjective norms with self-efficacy and vaccine hesitancy and an indirect relationship of perceived benefits, perceived risks, and subjective norms with vaccine hesitancy. Moreover, self-efficacy toward COVID-19 vaccination was low. PLWHA had concerns of HIV disclosure during COVID-19 vaccination. Family member support could have an impact on COVID-19 vaccination decision-making.

Conclusions

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was high among PLWHA in China. To reduce COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, programs and strategies should be adopted to eliminate the concerns for COVID-19 vaccination, disseminate accurate information on the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine, encourage family member support for COVID-19 vaccination, and improve PLWHA’s trust of medical professionals.

Healthcare needs of people living with human immunodeficiency virus: A qualitative descriptive study

AIM

A better understanding about the health care and support needs is beneficial to maintain the linkage between People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLWH) and healthcare services. This study aims to explore the healthcare needs of PLWH from their perspectives.

DESIGN

A qualitative descriptive study design was undertaken in July 2017 to June 2018.

METHODS

Fourteen participants were recruited by purposive sampling technique. Face-to-face in-depth interview and focus-group discussion (FGD) were conducted and analysed using content analysis.

RESULTS

Data revealed five themes, namely the needs to be free from stigma and discrimination, strengthen life spirit, have safe sexual practices, social support, and have accessible and affordable healthcare services.

CONCLUSION

People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus have their own perspectives on their healthcare needs. Therefore, nurses and other healthcare providers need to explore, understand, and respond to the needs, and incorporate them into comprehensive and holistic care.

Assessment of Palliative Care Needs among People Living with HIV/ AIDS Attending Antiretroviral Therapy Outpatient Department in an Urban Slum of Mumbai: A Mixed Method Study

Objectives

According to WHO, Palliative care is an essential component of a comprehensive package of care for people living with HIV/AIDS. Lack of palliative care results in untreated symptoms that hamper an individual's ability to perform daily activities. The study aimed to explore the perceived Palliative care needs of People Living With HIV/AIDS and the association between socio- demographic profile with Palliative care needs.

Materials and Methods

It was a mixed method study conducted over 2 months in November and December 2020 at Link ART OPD of Urban Health Training Centre in Mumbai. Out of 120 registered patients,15 patients were selected for in-depth interview by purposive sampling. The remaining 105 patients were selected for quantitative part of the study by complete enumeration method. For Qualitative part, Thematic analysis of the transcripts was done. Data were coded using Microsoft word comment feature. Themes and categories were drawn from it. For Quantitative part, Data analysis was done using SPSS version 22. Chi- square test was applied to find out the association between socio- demographic profile & palliative care needs. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The major themes identified were poor attitude towards the disease, lack of support and role of counselling. The common palliative care needs identified were need for financial assistance, family support and psychological support.

Conclusions

Palliative care should be introduced early in the care process by a team of providers who is aware of the patient's history and requirements.