The Lived Experience of Individuals Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) While Residing in a Rural Region in Northern Appalachia
Location
1049
Format Type
Event
Format Type
Workshop
Start Date
January 2018
End Date
January 2018
Abstract
The purpose of this research study was to describe and understand the lived experience of individuals living with HIV/AIDS while residing in a rural region of northern Appalachia. A hermeneutic phenomenological method following the Utrecht School was used for this study. The setting for this study was a rural region of northern Appalachia. The sample consisted of 15 individuals 18 years of age and older, self-identified as being HIV infected. Two semi-structured interviews were conducted. Transcripts of the interviews were analyzed for identification of themes across the data. Six themes were identified: surviving the predators, walking the road to death, the brink, second chance/rebirth, creating a nest of safety, and living in the shadows. The participants found meaning in sharing the history of their life that led to infection with HIV/AIDS. As participants accepted their illness and found support they embraced a second chance/rebirth and accepted support in order to continue living a life with purpose and creating a legacy in life. Participants created a nest of safety where they and their loved ones dwell to hide away from the “shadows” in rural Northern Appalachia. Findings from this study suggest implications for nursing practice, nursing education, and nursing research. Implications for nursing practice include assessing for past and current abuse among PLWHA, assessing for concerns associated with personal safety in the home environment and in the community, and providing early and appropriate referral for ongoing support over time. Implications for nursing education include ongoing development of an ethical comportment in nursing education programs, assisting students in recognizing patients’ histories, unique attributes, and experiences, and developing continuing education programs on HIV/AIDS focusing on accurate knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS, beliefs and attitudes, and the psychosocial issues. Future research recommendations include exploring attitudes and beliefs of individuals living in rural Appalachia toward PLWHA, issues specific to women living with HIV/AIDS, attitudes of health care providers in rural Northern Appalachia, and replicating this study in other areas of rural Appalachia.
The Lived Experience of Individuals Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) While Residing in a Rural Region in Northern Appalachia
1049
The purpose of this research study was to describe and understand the lived experience of individuals living with HIV/AIDS while residing in a rural region of northern Appalachia. A hermeneutic phenomenological method following the Utrecht School was used for this study. The setting for this study was a rural region of northern Appalachia. The sample consisted of 15 individuals 18 years of age and older, self-identified as being HIV infected. Two semi-structured interviews were conducted. Transcripts of the interviews were analyzed for identification of themes across the data. Six themes were identified: surviving the predators, walking the road to death, the brink, second chance/rebirth, creating a nest of safety, and living in the shadows. The participants found meaning in sharing the history of their life that led to infection with HIV/AIDS. As participants accepted their illness and found support they embraced a second chance/rebirth and accepted support in order to continue living a life with purpose and creating a legacy in life. Participants created a nest of safety where they and their loved ones dwell to hide away from the “shadows” in rural Northern Appalachia. Findings from this study suggest implications for nursing practice, nursing education, and nursing research. Implications for nursing practice include assessing for past and current abuse among PLWHA, assessing for concerns associated with personal safety in the home environment and in the community, and providing early and appropriate referral for ongoing support over time. Implications for nursing education include ongoing development of an ethical comportment in nursing education programs, assisting students in recognizing patients’ histories, unique attributes, and experiences, and developing continuing education programs on HIV/AIDS focusing on accurate knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS, beliefs and attitudes, and the psychosocial issues. Future research recommendations include exploring attitudes and beliefs of individuals living in rural Appalachia toward PLWHA, issues specific to women living with HIV/AIDS, attitudes of health care providers in rural Northern Appalachia, and replicating this study in other areas of rural Appalachia.
Comments
Breakout Session E