Authors
1 Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center
2 Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Abstract
Introduction: The epidemic of HIV infection is a serious health problem with major effects on
people’s lives. It is essential to comprehend the lived experience of life with HIV. Therefore, the
present research was conducted for a better understanding of the meaning and nature of life with
this phenomenon.
Method: This qualitative study was conducted using an interpretative, phenomenological
approach. 19 HIV-infected patients were coosen by purposive sampling method. Audio-taped, indepth,
and semi-structured interviews and field notes were used for data collection. All the
interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by using the hermeneutic approach
developed by Diekelmann.
Results: According to the findings, the 19 participants were between 21-56 years of age in
47.4% CD4 count was under or equal to 200 cells/mm3 and the others were in an earlier phase of
HIV infection. The main themes were beliefs and time, other HIV patients, inconsistencies in
coping, and fighting and struggling.
Conclusion: People with HIV/AIDS diagnosis face many challenges in different aspects of their
lives. Some can not cope with their new situation effectively and may be threatening to both their
own and others people’s lives. Understanding these patients' experiences and explaining the
positive experinces to other patients, and giving them support and guidance is suggested to care
givers.
Keywords
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