"They (ARVs) are my life, without them I'm nothing"--experiences of patients attending a HIV/AIDS clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa.
This paper is a part of a larger study that explores the "social complexity" of antiretroviral therapy (ART), in resource-limited environments. Drawing on in-depth interviews with a sample of 44 patients in an urban HIV/AIDS clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa, this paper examines how people with HIV/AIDS conceptualize their illness and its treatment in this context. The paper concludes that the fear of stigma plays a significant role in patients' experiences throughout the disease trajectory. Yet, demonstrates that there are indications that ARVs are transforming the experience of living with HIV/AIDS and a process of normalisation is taking place. Despite the resource-limited context and, often, lack of family and community support, patients see the ARVs as 'life saving' and express their long-term commitment to adhere to the drug regimen as well as their trust in health professionals.
Gilbert
Leah
L
Department of Sociology, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa. leah.gilbert@wits.ac.za
Walker
Liz
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011287:Prejudice; D013019:South Africa; D055815:Young Adult
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents