A life where concealment and exposure coexist—The antiretroviral therapy adherence of people living with HIV infection: A phenomenological study

Abstract

Aim The aim of this study is to identify the nature and structure of the real world experiences of people living with HIV infection and adhering to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Design: Giorgi's phenomenological method was applied. Methods Data collection was conducted from 1 November 2016–1 September 2017. A total of six participants participated in the study. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) was used to report this study. Results The findings show that the structure of the experience of people living with HIV and adhering to ART is composed of six essential common constituents: (a) ART adherence has become a prerequisite for a normal life; (b) Endless adjustments responding to a sensitive body; (c) Dosing Time becomes the framework of the day; (d) Dosing time needing to coincide with the availability of confidential dosing space; (e) Classification of Relationships—those who know of my taking antiretroviral drugs and those who do not; and (f) Recognition of the multiple relationships affecting ART. Conclusion Adhering to ART is experienced by people infected with HIV not only as a process they want to hide, but also a critical lifeline that stabilizes their lives. That is, their day‐to‐day living is split into a double life reflecting their coexisting need for concealment and exposure. Impact Although much existing literature focuses on the adherence to medication, this study reveals the meaning of ART in the context of viewing the patient as an independent subject. Contrary with what people living with HIV want, they are at risk of external exposure during the process of treatment. This study highlights the need for nurses to communicate with patients about the strategies they need to meet the challenges they face.

Socioeconomic factors and the evaluation of HIV/AIDS prevention programs: A psychometric analysis of an instrument

“…Infected people are more likely to be confident around people who love and care for them without minding their status. This is per the belief that stigmatization can lead to delays, failures in seeking treatment and delays in detecting those with high risk [29,30]. This can significantly contribute to the constant progression of the virus in the community, affect healthcare coverage in general and prevent the pandemic from being curtailed [31,32].…”

“…Stigma and discrimination against infected persons have been recorded, notably in work and access to health treatment, and they frequently extend to family members [27,28]. Stigmatization may delay or hinder treatment among high-risk individuals living with HIV/AIDS [29,30]. This may contribute to the disease's continued spread within the community, influence healthcare services, and undermine efforts to end the pandemic or curtail its spread [31,32].…”