title: Transcending the suffering of AIDS.
abstract: The overall purpose of this qualitative study was to describe how patients with AIDS (PWAs) transcend the emotional and physical suffering of their illness. Content analysis of the interviews of 5 PWAs resulted in 3 main themes: creating a meaningful life pattern, connectedness, and self-care. The results of this study provide presumptive evidence that PWAs can transcend the suffering associated with a life-threatening illness and live meaningful and productive lives. Nurses who anticipate actual and potential growth in PWAs will be able to validate such experiences and feelings and encourage further development.
authors.affiliation: University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, 3500 Victoria Street, 440 Victoria Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. mme100@pitt.edu
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Mellors
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Erlen
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Coontz
authors.forename: K T
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Lucke
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000523:psychology*; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010414:Pennsylvania; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012648:Self Care; D012944:Social Support