Voluntary caregivers' observations on the dynamics of hope across the continuum of HIV/AIDS: a focus group study.
The purpose of this study was to describe voluntary caregivers' observations on the dynamics of hope across the continuum of HIV/AIDS. Three focus group interview sessions were conducted with 10 voluntary caregivers in 1998. The data were analyzed using the grounded theory method described originally by Glaser and Strauss. Closing and opening emerged as the core categories in the dynamics of hope. Closing means closing down in despair and to the process of life, whereas opening means opening up to hope and the process of life. Nursing interventions that prevent closing and enable opening are helpful for these people. Conceptual clarification and the differentiation between the concepts of hope, wish, despair, and hopelessness presented in this study require further elaboration. Further research on the dynamics of hope in fearing HIV/AIDS or living with HIV/AIDS and being a significant other to a person with HIV/AIDS from different perspectives is also needed.
Kylmä
J
J
University of Kuopio, Finland.
Vehviläinen-Julkunen
K
K
Lähdevirta
J
J
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D017144:Focus Groups; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009013:Morale; D014838:Volunteers