‘I am struggling to survive’ – limited living conditions increase the burden of HIV: A qualitative study

ABSTRACTThe human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to have life-limiting health consequences for many individuals and remains a significant threat to global public health. This qualitative study explores the experiences of people living with HIV in Sidama, Ethiopia. Interviews with 19 adults r...

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Main Authors: Ingeborg Ulvund, Gezahegn Bekele Dadi, Anne Gutteberg
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2023-01-01
Series:Global Public Health
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/17441692.2023.2280049
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author Ingeborg Ulvund
Gezahegn Bekele Dadi
Anne Gutteberg
author_facet Ingeborg Ulvund
Gezahegn Bekele Dadi
Anne Gutteberg
author_sort Ingeborg Ulvund
collection DOAJ
description ABSTRACTThe human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to have life-limiting health consequences for many individuals and remains a significant threat to global public health. This qualitative study explores the experiences of people living with HIV in Sidama, Ethiopia. Interviews with 19 adults recruited from an HIV outpatient clinic were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. The analysis method used was systematic text condensation. The results reveal that an HIV diagnosis triggered strong emotions. Economic concerns, stigma, and discrimination also increased the burden of a diagnosis, which could lead to a loss of income or housing. Consequently, informants’ ability to maintain a regular life and receive social and psychological support was reduced. Religious faith provided strength to informants, though they stated that some religious leaders do not support antiretroviral therapy. Understanding the everyday challenges of people living with HIV is crucial for health professionals and health programme developers working to promote health and enable people to follow their recommended course of treatment. Person-centred care is recommended. In particular, the poorest should receive attention. It is also crucial to reduce stigma and discriminatory attitudes towards people living with HIV and to motivate faith leaders to prevent HIV stigma and support antiretroviral therapy.
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spelling doaj.art-4ae8bc2b60394c36957a3e0be3cda4fe2023-11-15T23:09:51ZengTaylor & Francis GroupGlobal Public Health1744-16921744-17062023-01-0118110.1080/17441692.2023.2280049‘I am struggling to survive’ – limited living conditions increase the burden of HIV: A qualitative studyIngeborg Ulvund0Gezahegn Bekele Dadi1Anne Gutteberg2Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Care, Molde University College, Specialized University in Logistics, Molde, NorwaySchool of Nursing, Hawassa University-College of Medicine & Health Science, Hawassa, EthiopiaFaculty of Health Sciences and Social Care, Molde University College, Specialized University in Logistics, Molde, NorwayABSTRACTThe human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to have life-limiting health consequences for many individuals and remains a significant threat to global public health. This qualitative study explores the experiences of people living with HIV in Sidama, Ethiopia. Interviews with 19 adults recruited from an HIV outpatient clinic were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. The analysis method used was systematic text condensation. The results reveal that an HIV diagnosis triggered strong emotions. Economic concerns, stigma, and discrimination also increased the burden of a diagnosis, which could lead to a loss of income or housing. Consequently, informants’ ability to maintain a regular life and receive social and psychological support was reduced. Religious faith provided strength to informants, though they stated that some religious leaders do not support antiretroviral therapy. Understanding the everyday challenges of people living with HIV is crucial for health professionals and health programme developers working to promote health and enable people to follow their recommended course of treatment. Person-centred care is recommended. In particular, the poorest should receive attention. It is also crucial to reduce stigma and discriminatory attitudes towards people living with HIV and to motivate faith leaders to prevent HIV stigma and support antiretroviral therapy.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/17441692.2023.2280049HIV and living conditionsHIV and social and psychological healthreligious followersperson-centred care
spellingShingle Ingeborg Ulvund
Gezahegn Bekele Dadi
Anne Gutteberg
‘I am struggling to survive’ – limited living conditions increase the burden of HIV: A qualitative study
Global Public Health
HIV and living conditions
HIV and social and psychological health
religious followers
person-centred care
title ‘I am struggling to survive’ – limited living conditions increase the burden of HIV: A qualitative study
title_full ‘I am struggling to survive’ – limited living conditions increase the burden of HIV: A qualitative study
title_fullStr ‘I am struggling to survive’ – limited living conditions increase the burden of HIV: A qualitative study
title_full_unstemmed ‘I am struggling to survive’ – limited living conditions increase the burden of HIV: A qualitative study
title_short ‘I am struggling to survive’ – limited living conditions increase the burden of HIV: A qualitative study
title_sort i am struggling to survive limited living conditions increase the burden of hiv a qualitative study
topic HIV and living conditions
HIV and social and psychological health
religious followers
person-centred care
url https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/17441692.2023.2280049
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