Factors Affecting Maternal Role Attainment among Low-Income, Thai, HIV-Positive Mothers

Abstract

This phenomenological study used content analysis of interview data to explore factors affecting maternal role attainment in a convenience sample of 39 low-income, Thai, HIV-positive mothers selected for their successful adaptation. All mothers reported feeling comfortable in their maternal roles and achieved greater than 80% of the total score on the Maternal Behavioral Questionnaire. In-depth interviews were conducted regarding the life experience of the mothers. The results revealed the mothers' uses of internal and external resources to attain their maternal roles. Six factors were identified: (a) setting a purpose for life, that is, to raise the infant; (b) keeping secrets from others; (c) a feeling of normalization; (d) having good quality of support from others; (e) having hope for an HIV cure; and (f) receiving accessible, pleasant health services that protect anonymity regarding HIV status. The results suggest that nurses can promote maternal role attainment by supporting the mothers' management style.

The Lived Experiences of HIV-Positive, Pregnant Women in Thailand

“…This subtheme is consistent with the results of previous studies conducted in America and Thailand (Andrews, Williams, & Neil, 1993;Jirapaet, 2001;Ross, 1994). For example, Jirapaet reported that most postpartum Thai mothers in her study indicated that their babies were central to their determination in helping them to move on with their lives.…”

“…Their experiences included struggling alone, sharing one's struggling, struggling for the baby, and struggling through ups and downs. These findings are similar, in part, to previous studies across other groups of HIV-positive women (Armistead et al, 1999;Andrews et al, 1993;Bunting & Seaton, 1999;Goggin et al, 2001;Jirapaet, 2001;Heath & Rodway, 1999;Loriz-Lim, 1995;Ross, 1994;Roy, 2003). For instance, Ross reported that HIV-positive women in the United States found hope through the taking of antiretroviral medicines and, subsequently, showed a desire to fight the virus as long as possible for their children.…”

“…At some point, half of the women thought about ending their lives. Prior research has identified being female, young, and depressed as important indicators to predict suicide among HIV patients (Goggin et al, 2001;Jirapaet, 2001;Roy, 2003). Health professionals who provide clear emotional support and assess depression and suicidal ideation will be especially important to seropositive pregnant women when they feel that they are struggling alone.…”

“…In another study, 78.9% of 90 HIV-positive, pregnant Thai women were depressed (Ross & Srisaeng, 2005). A qualitative study focusing specifically on maternal role attainment of seropositive postpartum women in Thailand revealed that more than half of the 39 mothers in the study reported having ideas of suicide shortly after their diagnosis (Jirapaet, 2001).…”

Life Story of and Depression in an HIV-Positive Pregnant Thai Woman Who Was a Former Sex Worker: Case Study

“…Worries about her baby and personal health related to the HIV infection, stigmatization related to HIV and sex work, and other life stresses (e.g., poverty) may put her at particular risk for depression (Bennetts, Shaffer, Manopaiboon, et al, 1999;Jirapaet, 2001;.…”