scholarly journals SUBJECTIVE MEANINGS OF THE LONE LINESS OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV

Author(s):  
I. Dmitruk

The paper analyzes the experience of people’s, infected by HIV, loneliness as an existential category and as a part of all their spectrum of feelings and experiences. The central existential problem for people with HIV-positive status is social and interpersonal isolation, which brings to loneliness. There are no publications that highlight the loneliness of people, who lives with HIV, through the prism of an existential approach. The article also considers the problem of stigmatization, self-stigmatization and isolation of HIV-infected individuals. The situation is aggravated by the fact that terminally ill people not only experience negative emotions, but also realize their own guilt for infecting their illness, feel shame because of the negative social status of the "sinful" disease. People with HIV are a special subculture in our society; they often consider themselves as outcasts. Thanks to this research, the subjective meanings that have people with HIV put into the concept of loneliness are revealed. The author did her own semantic differential, which was helped in finding differences in the experience and understanding of loneliness by hypochondriacal people who are afraid of infecting HIV, as well as persons with a positive HIV status. The results of two groups were statistically handled by using factor analysis. As a result the components of the loneliness category for the control (hypochondriac) and experimental (people infected by HIV) groups were picked out. Eventually, hypochondriacal people actualize loneliness through the following factors: "anxiety-depression", "hopelessness" and "vulnerability". In turn, people with HIV-positive status, see loneliness through: "despair", "disgust" (directed both at oneself and at the outside world), and "rejection". The results can be explained by the fact that persons with HIV infection have already felt the consequences of social isolation and loneliness, therefore they describe themselves as outcasts, despair and disgust both to themselves and to others. While people who only afraid of contracting HIV predict this can lead to anxiety, hopelessness and vulnerability. However, the selected components are rather situational than a priori, so the picture may change somewhat upon repeated investigation.

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 174550652110630
Author(s):  
Aklilu Endalamaw ◽  
Yibeltal Assefa ◽  
Demeke Geremew ◽  
Habte Belete ◽  
Berihun Assefa Dachew ◽  
...  

Introduction: In Ethiopia, the burden of HIV/AIDS is a public health issue that requires significant control of transmission. Once an infection has been established, determinants influence people living with HIV to disclose or not their HIV-positive status to sexual partners. This study assessed the proportion and associated factors of people living with HIV’s disclosure status to sexual partners. Methods: CRD42020149092 is the protocol’s registration number in the PROSPERO database. We searched PubMed, Scopus, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar databases. For the subjective and objective assessment of publication bias, we used a funnel plot and Egger’s regression test, respectively. The I2 statistic was used to assess variation across studies. Meta-analysis of weighted inverse variance random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled proportion. We conducted subgroup and sensitivity analyses to investigate the cause of heterogeneity and the impact of outliers on the overall estimation, respectively. A trend analysis was also performed to show the presence of time variation. Results: The percentage of people living with HIV who disclosed their HIV-positive status to sexual partners was 76.03% (95% confidence interval: 68.78, 83.27). Being on antiretroviral therapy (adjusted odds ratio = 6.19; 95% confidence interval: 2.92, 9.49), cohabiting with partner (adjusted odds ratio = 4.48; 95% confidence interval: 1.24, 7.72), receiving HIV counseling (adjusted odds ratio = 3.94; 95% confidence interval: 2.08, 5.80), having discussion prior to HIV testing (adjusted odds ratio = 4.40; 95% confidence interval: 2.11, 6.69), being aware of partner’s HIV status (adjusted odds ratio = 6.08; 95% confidence interval: 3.05, 9.10), positive relationship with partner (adjusted odds ratio = 4.44; 95% confidence interval:1.28, 7.61), and being member of HIV association (adjusted odds ratio = 3.70; 95% confidence interval: 2.20, 5.20) had positive association with HIV status disclosure. Conclusion: In Ethiopia, more than one-fourth of adults living with HIV did not disclose their HIV-positive status to sexual partners. HIV-positive status disclosure was influenced by psychosocial factors. A multidimensional approach is required to increase seropositive disclosure in Ethiopia.


Author(s):  
Besiki Stvilia ◽  
◽  
Ketevan Stvilia ◽  
Izoleta Bodokia ◽  
◽  
...  

Introduction. In this study, we examined the information behaviour of people living with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Georgia. The research took place before COVID-19 vaccines were available. Methods. We conducted semi-structured interviews with fifteen participants. Analysis. The content of interviews was analysed for a priori and emergent themes and iteratively categorized. In addition, we used k-means clustering to identify the types of information users. Results. People living with HIV used government AIDS and CDC centres, primary care physicians, television, websites and their personal networks as their information sources. Some participants reported that receiving COVID-19 information increased their stress levels. Threats to their privacy and the fear of disclosing their HIV-positive status were identified as some of the barriers to seeking and sharing information they encountered. Three types of information users were identified: Netizens, Traditionalists and Lurkers. Conclusions. The findings of this study can be used to help design effective health communication campaigns and information systems for people living with HIV in general and to provide COVID-19 information in particular.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 403-415
Author(s):  
Chen Chen ◽  
Jiasheng Huang ◽  
Jin Zhao ◽  
Yan Zhang ◽  
Nancy Xiaonan Yu

Previous studies have examined the distinct stigmas of people living with HIV or of men who have sex with men (MSM). To capture the composite stress of HIV-positive MSM and the mixed stigma they experience, we conceptualized a compound stigma combining HIV status and homosexual identity. At two waves with an interval of 6 months, the results of 112 Chinese newly diagnosed HIV-positive MSM showed that dual stigma at baseline increased distress symptoms 6 months later. Resilience moderated these effects, as the dual stigma increased, distress symptoms intensified more rapidly for individuals with lower resilience than they did for those with higher resilience. Our findings highlight that dual stigma, as an intensified risk factor, predicted distress among the Chinese newly diagnosed HIV-positive MSM, conditioned by the protective factor of resilience. The results have strong implications for developing resilience-based intervention programs in this population.


2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boushab Mohamed Boushab ◽  
Fatim-Zahra Fall-Malick ◽  
Mohamed Limame Ould Cheikh Melaïnine ◽  
Leonardo Kishi Basco

Summary:People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are often discriminated against in their daily lives. The objective of this descriptive and transversal study was to describe the experiences of PLWHA followed at a specialized outpatient center in Nouakchott to assess the forms of stigma from the perspective of those who suffer from discrimination.Methods:All HIV-positive patients over the age of 18 years who were aware of their HIV status and provided consent to participate in the study were included from June 1 to 29, 2015. Data collection was conducted using a pre-tested questionnaire.Results:A total of 210 PLWHA were interviewed. Men accounted for 54% of the sample population with a sex ratio of 1.2. About half of respondents were married (51%) and resided in Nouakchott (55%). Subjects who had never attended school represented 42% of the cases. Among our respondents, 64% knew their HIV status for over a year and admitted that they refused to reveal this information to any person. The distribution of forms of stigma experienced by PLWHA by demographic category was, in descending order, stigma in interpersonal relationships (78%), self-stigma (20%), and stigma in health services (2%). There was a significant association between the form of stigma and marital status (p = 0.007) and between the form of stigma and knowledge of HIV status for a period greater than one year (p = 0.02).Conclusion:The forms of stigma can be sources of discrimination and are a major obstacle to reintegration and support of PLWHA. This creates a vicious circle that, on the one hand, leads to the suffering, marginalization, and isolation of PLWHA, and on the other hand, has deleterious effects on their family and social relationships, self-esteem and self-confidence.


Author(s):  
Sumit Lathwal ◽  
Saurabh Mahajan ◽  
Arun K. Yadav

Background: Disclosure is a planned and selective behavior that responds to the balance of potential risks and benefits of secrecy and disclosure of the person living with HIV. The disclosure of HIV status to sexual partners, family or friends, has been shown to be a potent stressor, as persons living with HIV/AIDS might fear negative reactions such as blame, rejection or violence. This study was carried out with an aim to study the patterns of HIV status disclosure and the problems related with it among the HIV positive patients admitted in a tertiary care hospital in Western Maharashtra.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive, hospital based study carried out in a tertiary care hospital of Western Maharashtra from 01 October 2008 to 30 September 2010. A total of 92 consenting respondents admitted in the hospital were administered a pre tested semi-structured questionnaire to collect the data. The results were analysed using SPSS Ver 16.0.Results: Out of 74 married HIV positive individuals who had a chance to disclose their sero-status to spouse, 64 (86.5%, 95% CI-78.7% to 94.29%) voluntarily disclosed their HIV status to spouse while a small number i.e. 10 (13.5%, 95% CI- 05.71% to 21.29%) did not disclose their HIV status to spouse.Conclusions: This exploratory analysis suggests the need for tailoring interventions for improving disclosure decisions making and outcomes. Institutionalized measures need to be enforced judiciously to assist the HIV positive individuals to reveal their status to their wife and other members of their social group.


2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco Sastre ◽  
Diana M. Sheehan ◽  
Arnaldo Gonzalez

HIV-positive men are living long and healthier lives while managing HIV as a chronic illness. Although research has extensively documented the experiences of illness of people living with HIV, dating, marriage, and fatherhood among heterosexual Latino men has not been examined. To address this gap, this study used a qualitative study design to examine patterns and strategies for dating, marriage, and parenthood among 24 HIV-positive heterosexual Puerto Rican men living in Boston. The findings in our study indicate that an HIV diagnosis does not necessarily deter men from having an active sexual life, marrying, or having children. In fact, for some of the men, engaging in these social and life-changing events is part of moving on and normalizing life with HIV; these men planned for, achieved, and interpreted these events in the context of establishing normalcy with HIV. Although the HIV diagnosis discouraged some men from engaging in sexual relations, getting married, or having children, others fulfilled these desires with strategies aimed to reconciling their HIV status in their personal life, including dating or marrying HIV-positive women only. Additional important themes identified in this study include the decision to disclose HIV status to new sexual partners as well as the decision to accept the risk of HIV transmission to a child or partner in order to fulfill desires of fatherhood. Understanding the personal struggles, decision-making patterns, and needs of HIV-positive heterosexual men can aid in designing interventions that support healthy living with HIV.


Curationis ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gloria T. Tshweneagae ◽  
Victoria M. Oss ◽  
Tennyson Mgutshini

Background: Disclosure of one’s HIV status to a sexual partner can have significant health implications. From a health promotion point of view, disclosure is seen as a cornerstone for the prevention of HIV transmission between partners. Despite its importance as a strategy for controlling the spread of HIV, there are challenges that inhibit voluntary disclosure.Objectives: In exploring factors associated with disclosure of HIV status, the study had two complementary objectives related to: (1) investigation of participants’ views about HIV-positive status disclosure to sexual partners; and (2) a broader identification of factors that influence disclosure of HIV-positive status.Method: The study explored factors associated with disclosure of the HIV status of people living with HIV to their sexual partners. Purposive sampling was used to select 13 participants living with HIV who attended a wellness clinic. Primary data were collected via an in-depth interview with each of the participants.Results: The exploration showed that male participants were notably more reluctant to disclose to their sexual partners for fear of rejection; and secrecy was commonly reported around sexual matters. Female participants (who were in the majority) were relatively more willing to disclose their HIV status to their sexual partners. Despite the complexity of disclosure, all participants understood the importance of disclosure to their sexual partners.Conclusion: There is a need for HIV prevention strategies to focus on men in particular, so as to strengthen disclosure counselling services provided to people living with HIV and to advocate strongly for partner testing.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiqing Xia ◽  
Rachael M. Milwid ◽  
Arnaud Godin ◽  
Mare-Claude Boily ◽  
Leigh F. Johnson ◽  
...  

Background: In many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, self-reported HIV testing history and awareness of HIV-positive status from household surveys are used to estimate the percentage of people living with HIV (PLHIV) who know their HIV status. Despite widespread use, there is limited empirical information on the sensitivity of those self-reports, which can be affected by non-disclosure. Methods: Bayesian latent class models were used to estimate the sensitivity of self-reported HIV testing history and awareness of HIV-positive status in four Population-based HIV Impact Assessment surveys in Eswatini, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia. Antiretroviral (ARV) metabolites biomarkers were used to identify persons on treatment who did not accurately report their status. For those without ARV biomarkers, the pooled estimate of non-disclosure among untreated persons was 1.48 higher than those on treatment. Results: Among PLHIV, the sensitivity of self-reported HIV testing history ranged 96% to 99% across surveys. Sensitivity of self-reported awareness of HIV status varied from 91% to 97%. Non-disclosure was generally higher among men and those aged 15-24 years. Adjustments for imperfect sensitivity did not substantially influence estimates of of PLHIV ever tested (difference <4%) but the proportion of PLHIV aware of their HIV-positive status was higher than the unadjusted proportion (difference <8%). Conclusions: Self-reported HIV testing histories in four Eastern and Southern African countries are generally robust although adjustment for non-disclosure increases estimated awareness of status. These findings can contribute to further refinements in methods for monitoring progress along the HIV testing and treatment cascade.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S385-S386
Author(s):  
Zoe C Burger ◽  
Si Thu Aung ◽  
Hlaing Thazin Aung ◽  
Timothy Rodwell ◽  
Marva Seifert

Abstract Background Tuberculosis (TB) is the most common co-infection among people living with HIV, but HIV positivity is associated with a lower Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) bacillary load in sputum, making TB often difficult to diagnose with current diagnostic solutions. GeneXpert MTB/RIF (Cepheid, USA), a rapid, molecular diagnostic assay, has transformed the TB diagnostic landscape and can be used to diagnose TB and limited drug resistance in HIV patients from direct clinical samples in &lt; 2 hours, but results can be significantly affected by sample bacterial load, which is quantified by the GeneXpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) instrument using Ct values. Our primary objective was to assess how a patient’s HIV status affected their MTB bacterial load in sputum vs. saliva samples submitted for Xpert diagnosis of TB. Methods We completed a retrospective analysis of &gt;4,000 patient records from the Myanmar National TB Program captured as part of a nation-wide electronic reporting system developed with the assistance of FIND (Geneva). De-identified records included HIV status, Xpert testing results, and for a subset of patients, specimen type. With this diagnostic information, we compared the distribution of MTB load (quantified by Xpert Ct values) in sputum and saliva in HIV positive vs. HIV negative patients using STATA. Results Based on mean Ct value comparison independent of HIV status, saliva samples (mean Ct = 22.7) contained a significantly lower bacterial load of MTB as compared to sputum samples (mean Ct=19.2, p &lt; .001).Within saliva samples, a lower bacterial load was also detected in HIV positive patients (mean Ct = 26.9) compared to HIV negative patients (mean Ct = 22.3, p&lt; .05). Similarly, in sputum samples, a lower bacterial load was detected in HIV positive patients (mean Ct = 21.6) compared to HIV negative patients (mean Ct = 19.0, p &lt; .001) (Figure 1). Figure 1. Ct Values by HIV Status and Specimen Type Conclusion Sputum samples have a significantly higher bacterial load on average compared to saliva samples independent of HIV status. Additionally, when looking at both saliva and sputum as sample types, HIV positive patients have significantly lower bacterial load than individuals who are HIV negative. Based on these results, sputum is the optimal sample type for Xpert TB detection, especially in people living with HIV. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


Somatechnics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 233-253
Author(s):  
Eli Manning

Since the pharmaceutical turn, using HIV treatment to prevent transmission is increasingly common. Treatment as Prevention®, or TasP, has relied on HIV treatment to prevent HIV transmission, targeting people living with HIV. However, TasP is predicated on troublesome heterosexist, classist, and racist medical practices borrowed from various times and spaces that enact biopolitical and necropolitical relations. This paper discusses the debate surrounding the first clinical trial that used HIV treatment to prevent transmission from woman-to-foetus. The 1994 landmark AIDS Clinical Trials Group 076 study laid the groundwork for using HIV treatment to prevent HIV transmission, the essential precursor to TasP. By examining the concerns of HIV positive women of colour and other AIDS activists, we are able to understand the ethical dilemmas and practical consequences that still haunt today's game-changing uses of HIV treatment for prevention and to see how biopolitics and necropolitics persist in TasP.


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