[Intimate relationships narratives of women living with HIV].
BACKGROUND
An estimated 70% of women with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continue to engage in sexual activity after receiving a positive diagnosis. However, such women experience stigmatization because of their disease and find it difficult to maintain an intimate relationship.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to explore the intimate relationships of women living with HIV.


METHODS
A narrative inquiry was conducted and a semi-structured interview outline was used to collect data.


RESULTS
Interviews with five HIV+ women found each of their intimate relationship experiences exhibited the following five stages: 1) loving relationships began, but were given up easily; 2) inner conflict about whether to love or not to love; 3) a desire not to hold back on love; 4) accept love with doubts, but avoid talking about such doubts; and 5) love and live with HIV.


CONCLUSIONS
Health professionals can assist women with HIV and their partners to discuss their life experiences in order to express their needs at different stages of their post-HIV diagnosis intimate relationship.
Lai
Yi-Yin
YY
Department of Nursing, National Cheng Kung University, ROC.
Feng
Ming-Chu
MC
Cheng
Ling-Fang
LF
Ko
Wen-Chen
WC
Ko
Nai-Ying
NY
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012725:Sexual Behavior