Maintaining normalcy: a grounded theory of engaging in HIV-oriented primary medical care.
Despite advances in the medical treatment of HIV disease, marginalized populations continue to shoulder a disproportionate burden of HIV/AIDS-related morbidity and mortality. This study explored the process by which clients at HIV-oriented primary care clinics transition from being sporadic users of care to engaging as regular users of care. A model illustrating how participants were striving to maintain normalcy, manage perceptions, and develop life mastery skills contributes to an understanding of living with HIV disease in a social context. Elements of the model are sensitive to nursing interventions aimed at improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities among persons at highest risk.
Mallinson
R Kevin
RK
School of Nursing & Health Studies, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA. km293@georgetown.edu
Relf
Michael V
MV
Dekker
Debra
D
Dolan
Kathy
K
Darcy
Ashley
A
Ford
Anna
A
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003151:Community Health Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004219:District of Columbia; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D011287:Prejudice; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012934:Social Isolation; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D035862:Vulnerable Populations / Q000523:psychology*