Living with HIV infection: perceptions of patients with access to care at a non-governmental organization in Chennai, India.
Through interviews, we examined explanatory frameworks of living with HIV infection among 50 HIV-positive individuals (23 women, 27 men) receiving care at a non-governmental organization in Chennai, India. Results were analysed according to three sets of issues, all of which were found to differ by gender: causal beliefs about HIV, impact of HIV, and care/treatment of HIV. HIV-positive participants attributed their infection to biological, moral and social causes, and the physical, financial and relationship dimensions of their lives were impacted upon by the infection. Furthermore, HIV-related stigma evoked fears about isolation and discrimination. Regarding care/treatment, men were most usually first initiated into the healthcare system while women often entered as a consequence of their partner's condition. Non-adherence to medication was reported by 32% of the participants due to financial constraints or side-effects. Although all participants were hopeful about a cure for HIV, women were less positive than men about treatment. Results highlight the importance of a gender-sensitive approach to HIV care, nuanced to accommodate an individual's gender, marital status and social background.
Tarakeshwar
Nalini
N
Yale University, Department of Psychiatry, New Haven, CT 06511, USA. nalini.tarakeshwar@yale.edu
Krishnan
A K
AK
Johnson
Sethulakshmi
S
Solomon
Suniti
S
Sikkema
Kathleen
K
Merson
Michael
M
D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017149:Private Sector / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012938:Social Perception; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents