title: A Qualitative Study on the Interconnected Nature of HIV, Water, and Family.
abstract: Human immunodeficiency virus infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and poor access to water are two primary global health issues. Poor access to water may significantly affect families infected with HIV and result in adverse social and health consequences. A qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to understand health and social outcomes of families after the implementation of water interventions in rural Kenya. One major sub-theme emerged during this research, which included the effects of water on an HIV-affected family. Prior to the water interventions, common adverse health effects from lack of nutrition, water, and poor hygiene were experienced. After receiving access to water, nutrition and hygiene were improved and additional time was gained and used to reinforce relationships and spread awareness about HIV/AIDS. This study provides need-based evidence for access to safe drinking water in order to decrease adverse health outcomes and improve the quality of life for HIV-affected individuals.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.|Kenya Red Cross, Red Cross Road, Bellevue, "South C", Nairobi, Kenya.
authors.forename: Daisy
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ramirez-Ortiz
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Health, National University, San Diego, CA, USA. tarazolnikov@gmail.com.|Kenya Red Cross, Red Cross Road, Bellevue, "South C", Nairobi, Kenya. tarazolnikov@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Tara Rava
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Zolnikov
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002648:Child; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D007630:Kenya; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D060753:Water Quality; D014881:Water Supply / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
keywords: HIV; Health effects; Quality of life; Social effects; Water access