title: Revelations of HIV-infected patients treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in rural Uganda.
abstract: The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the psychosocial changes revealed by persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in western Uganda as a result of the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Fourteen participants were interviewed on two occasions. Two focus groups discussions were also conducted. Patients experienced important personal benefits as a result of HAART and the resulting clinical improvement. These benefits included a restoration of hope, self-esteem and personal agency. Patients were also relieved of the great fear which they had about the conditions of their death. The financial and social struggles introduced by AIDS illness continued after the introduction of HAART. The conclusion is that the HAART programs should provide more holistic care to patients to address the persistent family issues identified in this study.
authors: a Alberta Health Services , Calgary , AB , Canada.
authors: Nancy
authors: N
authors: Bedingfield
authors: Walter
authors: W
authors: Kipp
authors: Amy
authors: A
authors: Kaler
authors: Tom
authors: T
authors: Rubaale
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000379:methods*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D012424:Rural Population; D012649:Self Concept; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014454:Uganda