title: Coming to terms with a diagnosis of HIV in Iran: a phenomenological study.
abstract: The number of people living with HIV (PLWH) has increased in all Asian regions, including Iran. Discovering that one has any serious illness can be a traumatic experience, but coming to terms with an HIV diagnosis is made more difficult by social constructs and negative reactions to the infection. This interpretative phenomenological study was carried out to understand and describe the lived experience of HIV-infected Iranians during the period immediately following an HIV diagnosis. Audiotaped in-depth semistructured interviews with 13 participants were used to collect data, which were analyzed with critical hermeneutics. Two main themes emerged: (a) doubt and delay in coming to terms with the diagnosis and (b) testing and its associated impacts. Nine subthemes were also found. Many challenges face people who need to determine their HIV status, and these are compounded by the sociocultural context found in Iran. Iran needs more education, counseling, testing facilities, and support programs to encourage people to get tested for HIV and to help them deal with a positive test result.
authors: Tehran University of Medical Sciences, School of Nursingand Midwifery, Tehran, Iran.
authors: Ali
authors: A
authors: Mohammadpour
authors: Zohre Parsa
authors: ZP
authors: Yekta
authors: Ali Reza
authors: AR
authors: Nikbakht Nasrabadi
authors: Minoo
authors: M
authors: Mohraz
mesh_terms: D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology; D003219:Confidentiality / Q000523:psychology; D005239:Fear / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011287:Prejudice; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D013240:Stereotyping; D014342:Truth Disclosure