RESUMO
In 2003, the Haitian Study Group on Kaposi's Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO), a nonprofit organization, began administering antiretroviral therapy (ART) to its patients. This practice transformed HIV from a fatal disease to a more manageable chronic condition. However, relatively few studies focus on the experiences of survivors. This study provided a unique opportunity to interview patients who survived at least 10 years after being treated with ART at GHESKIO. The goal of the study was to elicit from patients their perspectives on what enabled them to survive with AIDS. Grounded Theory, a qualitative research method was used to guide data collection, coding, and analysis. Individual interviews were conducted, audio-taped, transcribed and analyzed in Creole, and translated into English. Data saturation was reached at 25 participants. Of which, 64% were women, the mean age was 49, range of 43-55 years, 24% were married, 44% had not completed elementary school, and 72% had no income, the remaining participants had incomes ranging from $1000 to $5000 annually. Qualitative analysis resulted in 681 codes, which were grouped into six categories: being spiritually grounded, having supportive interactions with providers, caring for children, setting personal goals, persevering and living life as usual, and maintaining strict medication adherence practices. The overarching theory was that having a reason to live despite one's circumstances and living life as usual enabled one to survive. Having a strong spiritual foundation coupled with supportive family and providers motivated participants to live and adhere to their ART. As the number of patients who are living longer with HIV in Haiti increases, results from this study will be important in helping tailor interventions that enhance their overall quality of life.
Assuntos
Antirretrovirais/uso terapêutico , Infecções por HIV/psicologia , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Adesão à Medicação , Qualidade de Vida , Sobreviventes/psicologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Antirretrovirais/administração & dosagem , Criança , Aconselhamento , Feminino , Teoria Fundamentada , Infecções por HIV/tratamento farmacológico , Haiti , Pessoal de Saúde , Humanos , Entrevistas como Assunto , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Motivação , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Apoio Social , EspiritualidadeRESUMO
Haitian women are twice as likely as men to have HIV/AIDs. Factors underlying the feminization of HIV are complex. Self-esteem is an important correlate of sexual behavior. However, its meaning and impact on health behaviors may be influenced by cultural factors. This qualitative study took place in Haiti 4 months after the 2010 earthquake and examines the meaning of self-esteem among young Haitian women seeking treatment for a recurrent sexually transmitted infection (STI). The meaning of self-esteem was derived from a sense of gratitude and was rooted in their ability to provide for family. This may have led to behaviors such as not using condoms or having sex with partners in concurrent relationships. This article highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of Haitian women, provides insight into how women with apparent positive self-images were led to make choices that placed them at high risk for contracting HIV, and concludes with recommendations for future interventions.
Assuntos
Aceitação pelo Paciente de Cuidados de Saúde , Resiliência Psicológica , Autoimagem , Comportamento Sexual , Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis/psicologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Preservativos/estatística & dados numéricos , Desastres , Terremotos , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Haiti , Humanos , Entrevistas como Assunto , Acontecimentos que Mudam a Vida , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Fatores de Risco , Parceiros Sexuais , Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis/terapia , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Dominicans, one of the fastest growing Hispanic subgroups in New York City (NYC), have a high rate of diabetes. A qualitative study exploring Dominicans' knowledge, perceptions, and experiences in managing their diabetes was conducted. There were a total of 40 participants who were Spanish speaking Dominicans, 40-74 years of age, diagnosed with diabetes and NYC residents. Four focus groups were conducted in Spanish, which were recorded and then transcribed into English. Content analysis was used to analyze the text of the focus groups. Different themes emerged from the data, with apparent gaps in diabetes knowledge and of awareness of risk for diabetes complications.