title: Maintaining normalcy: a grounded theory of engaging in HIV-oriented primary medical care.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing & Health Studies, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA. km293@georgetown.edu
authors.forename: R Kevin
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Mallinson
authors.forename: Michael V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Relf
authors.forename: Debra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dekker
authors.forename: Kathy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dolan
authors.forename: Ashley
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Darcy
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ford
mesh_terms: 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*