scholarly journals Experiences and ways PLWHA deal with their lives

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 1615-20
Author(s):  
Anthony Kiwanuka ◽  
Eddy Walakira ◽  
David Kaawa-Mafigiri
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Hiv And Aids ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Research Knowledge ◽  
Access To Treatment ◽  
Persons Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Research ◽  
Widespread Access ◽  
Living With Hiv

The issue of HIV and AIDS and people living with HIV and AIDS is very sensitive which needs great attention. The population of infected individuals seems not to seek help and health services due to their illness. The barriers which prevent this population experience the meaning of social construction of their illness. The main objective of this study is to understand the day-to-day lives and the ways PLWHA deals with their lives. Qualitative method and participatory action research were used to gather information. The study found out that PLWHA have much to fight for in the complex and frightening areas of HIV research and treatment. Though there have been lacking scientific skills, all PLWHA can bring unique experiences and perspectives to an open discussion. The study concluded that facing the challenges of working with HIV and AIDS–individuals; consider the participatory research approach because it can reach out to individuals, groups and organizations.It was recommended that the ultimate goals of AIDS treatment and research activism are to accelerate scientific research knowledge that contributes towards cure, and to win an early widespread access to treatment for everyone infected with HIV. Developing a well-designed research can help PLWHA learn how to ask themselves different questions and ask if the medical and research establishments will address their concerns. Keywords: Health Services;, seeking behavior; persons living with HIV.

Ghanaian Pharmacists’ Perception of People Living With HIV and AIDS (PLWHIV)

2010 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frances Thelma Kwabea Owusu-Daaku ◽  
Geraldine Buanya-Mensah
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Survey ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Negative Attitude ◽  
Hiv And Aids ◽  
Demographic And Health Survey ◽  
Health Care Personnel ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Persons Living With Hiv ◽  
Living With Hiv

To determine Ghanaian pharmacists’ perception of persons living with HIV (PLWHIV), pharmacists and other health care personnel in Ghana completed self-administered questionnaires in 3 separate studies from November 2003 to January 2005. Two of the studies (studies 2 and 3) incorporated 4 simple questions that are generally administered to determine, hypothetically, the degree of discrimination against PLWHIV. Responses to these questions were also analyzed in the 2003 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS). A nondiscriminatory response to all the indicators reflected an accepting attitude, and a discriminatory response, in at least one indicator, reflected a negative attitude. In study 1, 35% of pharmacists indicated an accepting attitude toward PLWHIV. In study 2, only 17% of the pharmacists sampled indicated an accepting attitude toward PLWHIV. In study 3, none of the 10 pharmacists sampled indicated an accepting attitude toward PLWHIV. However, 19% of the totality of health workers did so. Compared to Ghanaians of similar socioeconomic backgrounds, pharmacists tended to report a more perceived discriminatory attitude toward PLWHIV.

scholarly journals A Social Ecological Approach to Exploring Barriers to Accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among Couples Living with HIV in Southern Malawi

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Belinda Chimphamba Gombachika ◽  
Heidi Fjeld ◽  
Ellen Chirwa ◽  
Johanne Sundby ◽  
Address Malata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Ecological Model ◽  
Hiv And Aids ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Reproductive Health Services ◽  
Social Ecological ◽  
The Social ◽  
Living With Hiv

With wide access to antiretroviral therapy, people living with HIV are living longer. The reduction in the mother-to-child transmission of HIV has encouraged some people living with HIV to have children and remarry. However, some continue to have limited access to sexual and reproductive health services. The study explores barriers encountered by couples living with HIV in accessing sexual and reproductive health services using the social ecological model. Data were collected using in-depth interviews with twenty couples purposively sampled in matrilineal Chiradzulu and patrilineal Chikhwawa communities in Malawi from July to December 2010. Data were analyzed using framework analysis method. The study findings identify barriers across the five levels of the social ecological model indicating that the use of sexual and reproductive health services is influenced by diverse factors. We suggest three main areas for primary intervention: services must be located closer to their communities and integrated with existing antiretroviral services. In addition, information gatekeepers, both formal and informal, should be empowered with knowledge about sexual and reproductive health, including HIV and AIDS. Finally, there is a need to coordinate the flow of reproductive health, HIV, and AIDS information between Malawi Ministry of Health and formal and informal organizations.

scholarly journals HIV in the Heartland: Experiences of Living with HIV in Urban and Rural Areas of the Midwest

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Donley ◽  
C. Lockett
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Hiv And Aids ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Persons Living With Hiv ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas ◽  
Low Prevalence ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Aids

Scholarly research on HIV/AIDS and stigma has largely demonstrated a different experience for people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) who inhabit urban and rural areas. Largely missing from this scholarship are experiences in low prevalence areas. Low prevalence areas typically have fewer resources, social networks, and HIV infection and prevalence is less common. In this paper, we examine the challenges PLWHAs in rural and urban areas of the Midwest face and how these individuals manage, respond, and combat HIV/AIDS related stigmas in their communities. This paper utilizes interview data to understand the lived experiences of 18 persons living with HIV and AIDS. This paper reveals that respondents in rural areas are likely to be geographically dispersed, struggle with accessing healthcare services, believe their communities are less tolerant, and are less likely to disclose their positive status or seek out social support. Respondents who lived in urban areas were more likely to disclose their positive status, have access to AIDS service organizations and social support, and to participate in advocacy in the “HIV Community.” Our study demonstrates how social and community context are agentic players in shaping life chances, decisions, and behavior of the PLWHAs we interviewed.

Juridical Action for the Protection of Collective Rights and Its Legal Impact: A Case Study

2002 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 644-654 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrique González Mac Dowell
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Universal Access ◽  
Antiretroviral Drugs ◽  
Hiv And Aids ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Access To Treatment ◽  
Human Rights Advocacy ◽  
Legal Strategies ◽  
Living With Hiv

The development in 1996 of a new generation of antiretroviral drugs was a major pharmaceutical advancement in the struggle against the epidemics of HIV and AIDS. However, due to high costs, access to these new drugs was almost impossible for most people living with HIV or AIDS. This situatiowhas been even more dramatic for those living with HIV/AIDS in poorer countries. Many of the organizations that are fighting for the rights of those with HIV have since developed human rights advocacy and legal strategies to try to achieve universal access to treatment. These organizations are also fighting for states’ compliance with human rights obligations under health-related treatises and conventions. This paper draws upon the experience gained in Latin America, focusing on the legal strategies that have been explored in Venezuela and the legal consequences for domestic law.

scholarly journals The impact of caring for persons living with HIV and AIDS on the mental health of nurses in the Limpopo Province

Curationis ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Davhana-Maselesele
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Maslach Burnout Inventory ◽  
Hiv And Aids ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Persons Living With Hiv ◽  
Support Programmes ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
The Impact

This study assessed the impact of caring for AIDS sufferers on the mental health of nurses. This assessment was measured against the level of burnout, stress and depression among 174 nurses caring for people living with HIV and AIDS in Limpopo Province, South Africa. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire incorporated the AIDS Impact Scale (AIS), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the participants’ demographic and professional profiles. Participants were conveniently selected from five selected hospitals in Limpopo Province. The study participants’ valuation using the AIS showed that nurses tended to develop strong bonds and relationships with the patients; felt frustrated by their inability to help the terminally ill AIDS sufferers and were subsequently affected by the death of their patients. Personal accomplishments of the nurses remained high and the levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization levels were low. The BDI showed that over 3 out of 4 nurses were experiencing between mild mood disturbance and extreme depression. Higher average scores were noted for items of the depression scale like sadness, dissatisfaction, fatigue and low level of energy. The findings highlight the need to develop psychological support programmes for nurses caring for AIDS patients and promote the provision of social incentives and recognition of the role of nurses in AIDS care.

scholarly journals Peran Reliugisitas pada Penderita HIV dan AIDS yang mengalami Depresi

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 46
Author(s):  
Dibyo Prasojo
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Social Stigma ◽  
Research Data ◽  
Hiv And Aids ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Internal Factors ◽  
Analysis Technique ◽  
Living With Hiv

Being HIV-positive (people with HIV and AIDS) is a tough one in life, where complex problems are always faced daily, not just dealing with disease conditions, but disease conditions are accompanied by highly discriminatory social stigma. This stigma and discrimination often leads to depression resulting in a decrease in life spirits of people living with HIV and then bring the dominant effect of decreasing quality of life for people living with HIV. This study aims to reveal the role of religiosity in coping with depression in people with HIV and AIDS in terms of physical, psychological, social, and religiosity and factors that support the role of religiosity in coping with depression in people with HIV and AIDS. The research approach used is qualitative in the form of case studies. Subjects studied in the study are ODHA are running post-positive religiosity of HIV and AIDS consisting of 1 man and 2 women. Data collection techniques used are unstructured interviews and nonparticipant observation. While the research data collection tool used interview, observation, recorder and stationery. And the result of research data will be analyzed by using qualitative analysis technique. Based on the results of research that has been done can be stated that the role of religiosity in tackling Depression in HIV and AIDS Patients in RSUD Dr. H. Moch. Ansyari Saleh Banjarmasin is very large, seen from all subjects feel the change of attitude and view to get closer to God. Appreciate life in its true sense, enjoy life and resign to accepting circumstances. Factors that support the role of religiosity in people with HIV and AIDS in RSUD Dr. H. Moch. Ansyari Saleh Banjarmasin there are two namely: first internal factors, which are related to innate nature, and the second is external factors derived from the environment such as family and society. 

scholarly journals “My Friend with HIV Remains a Friend”: HIV/AIDS Stigma Reduction through Education in Secondary Schools—A Pilot Project in Buea, Cameroon

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 232595821990071
Author(s):  
Christoph Arnim Jacobi ◽  
Pascal Nji Atanga ◽  
Leonard Kum Bin ◽  
Akenji Jean Claude Fru ◽  
Gerd Eppel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Universal Access ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Hiv And Aids ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
School Students ◽  
Access To Treatment ◽  
Infected People ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Aids

The universal access to treatment and care for people living with HIV (PLWHIV) is still a major problem, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where 70% of HIV-infected people live. Equally important is the fact that HIV/AIDS-related stigma is recognized to be a major obstacle to successfully control the spread of this disease. We devised a pilot project (titled “My friend with HIV remains a friend”) to fight the HIV/AIDS stigmatization through educating secondary school students by openly HIV-positive teachers. In a first step, we have measured the amount and type of stigma felt by the PLWHIV in Buea/Cameroon using the “The people living with HIV Stigma Index” from Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. Gossiping and verbal insults were experienced by 90% of the interviewees, while 9% have experienced physical assaults. Using these data and material from the “Toolkit for action” from the “International Centre for the Research on Women,” the teachers educated the students on multiple aspects of HIV/AIDS and stigma. The teaching curriculum included role-plays, picture visualizations, drawing, and other forms of interactions like visits to HIV and AIDS treatment units. Before and after this intervention, the students undertook “True/False” examinations on HIV/AIDS and stigma. We compared these results with results from students from another school, who did not participate in this intervention. We were able to show that the students taking part in the intervention improved by almost 20% points in comparison to the other students. Their results did not change.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes of Persons Living With HIV by Enrollment Status in Washington, DC: Evaluation of a Large Longitudinal HIV Cohort Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenevieve Opoku ◽  
Rupali K Doshi ◽  
Amanda D Castel ◽  
Ian Sorensen ◽  
Michael Horberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Disease Stage ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Disease ◽  
Persons Living With Hiv ◽  
Living With Hiv

BACKGROUND HIV cohort studies have been used to assess health outcomes and inform the care and treatment of people living with HIV disease. However, there may be similarities and differences between cohort participants and the general population from which they are drawn. OBJECTIVE The objective of this analysis was to compare people living with HIV who have and have not been enrolled in the DC Cohort study and assess whether participants are a representative citywide sample of people living with HIV in the District of Columbia (DC). METHODS Data from the DC Health (DCDOH) HIV surveillance system and the DC Cohort study were matched to identify people living with HIV who were DC residents and had consented for the study by the end of 2016. Analysis was performed to identify differences between DC Cohort and noncohort participants by demographics and comorbid conditions. HIV disease stage, receipt of care, and viral suppression were evaluated. Adjusted logistic regression assessed correlates of health outcomes between the two groups. RESULTS There were 12,964 known people living with HIV in DC at the end of 2016, of which 40.1% were DC Cohort participants. Compared with nonparticipants, participants were less likely to be male (68.0% vs 74.9%, <i>P</i>&lt;.001) but more likely to be black (82.3% vs 69.5%, <i>P</i>&lt;.001) and have a heterosexual contact HIV transmission risk (30.3% vs 25.9%, <i>P</i>&lt;.001). DC Cohort participants were also more likely to have ever been diagnosed with stage 3 HIV disease (59.6% vs 47.0%, <i>P</i>&lt;.001), have a CD4 &lt;200 cells/µL in 2017 (6.2% vs 4.6%, <i>P</i>&lt;.001), be retained in any HIV care in 2017 (72.9% vs 59.4%, <i>P</i>&lt;.001), and be virally suppressed in 2017. After adjusting for demographics, DC Cohort participants were significantly more likely to have received care in 2017 (adjusted odds ratio 1.8, 95% CI 1.70-2.00) and to have ever been virally suppressed (adjusted odds ratio 1.3, 95% CI 1.20-1.40). CONCLUSIONS These data have important implications when assessing the representativeness of patients enrolled in clinic-based cohorts compared with the DC-area general HIV population. As participants continue to enroll in the DC Cohort study, ongoing assessment of representativeness will be required.

scholarly journals Consequences of COVID-19 crisis for persons with HIV: the impact of social determinants of health

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristie C. Waterfield ◽  
Gulzar H. Shah ◽  
Gina D. Etheredge ◽  
Osaremhen Ikhile
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Persons Who Inject Drugs ◽  
Persons Living With Hiv ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background With the indiscriminate spread of COVID-19 globally, many populations are experiencing negative consequences such as job loss, food insecurity, and inability to manage existing medical conditions and maintain preventive measures such as social distancing and personal preventative equipment. Some of the most disadvantaged in the COVID-19 era are people living with HIV/AIDS and other autoimmune diseases. Discussion As the number of new HIV infections decrease globally, many subpopulations remain at high risk of infection due to lack of or limited access to prevention services, as well as clinical care and treatment. For persons living with HIV or at higher risk of contracting HIV, including persons who inject drugs or men that have sex with men, the risk of COVID-19 infection increases if they have certain comorbidities, are older than 60 years of age, and are homeless, orphaned, or vulnerable children. The risk of COVID-19 is also more significant for those that live in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, rural, and/or poverty-stricken areas. An additional concern for those living the HIV is the double stigma that may arise if they also test positive for COVID-19. As public health and health care workers try to tackle the needs of the populations that they serve, they are beginning to realize the need for a change in the infrastructure that will include more efficient partnerships between public health, health care, and HIV programs. Conclusion Persons living with HIV that also have other underlying comorbidities are a great disadvantage from the negative consequences of COVID-19. For those that may test positive for both HIV and COVID-19, the increased psychosocial burdens stemming from stress and isolation, as well as, experiencing additional barriers that inhibit access to care, may cause them to become more disenfranchised. Thus, it becomes very important during the current pandemic for these challenges and barriers to be addressed so that these persons living with HIV can maintain continuity of care, as well as, their social and mental support systems.

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