Life With HIV: Insights from HIV-infected Women in Cameroon, Central Africa.
Women in Cameroon are disproportionately burdened by HIV illness. Understanding the impact HIV has on women is essential for developing interventions to enhance their quality of life. Our aim was to explore and provide an in-depth understanding of the daily experiences of a sample of women living with HIV in Cameroon. Qualitative semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with women (N = 30) from the northwest region of Cameroon who self-reported being infected with HIV. Participants shared that they had multiple challenges in their daily experiences living with HIV. The themes that emerged included: (a) receiving an HIV diagnosis is traumatic, (b) living with HIV is a constant struggle, (c) limited resources and support cause problems, and (d) stigma and powerlessness exacerbate the impact of HIV. We provide insight into the daily experiences of HIV-infected women in Cameroon. Implications for improving health care and social services to women living with HIV in Cameroon are suggested.
Jacqueline
J
Alomepe
Aaron G
AG
Buseh
Charles
C
Awasom
Julia A
JA
Snethen
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002163:Cameroon; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D004192:Discrimination, Psychological; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D011287:Prejudice; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D057545:Social Stigma; D012944:Social Support
Cameroon; HIV; daily function; illness experience; stigma