ONE DAY AT A TIME: WOMEN'S EXPERIENCES OF LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS IN LOW PREVALENCE AREAS OF THE MIDWEST (IMMUNE DEFICIENCY).
Contributors: University of Texas at Austin.
Published: 1995
Number of pages: 436
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Women's Studies.; Health Sciences, Public Health.
Description: This study explores the lived experience of women with HIV and AIDS who live in a low prevalence area of the Midwest, describes the meanings of their experiences and identifies factors that facilitate or hinder their care. Eleven women who had been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS for at least six months, live within 150 miles of Fort Wayne, Indiana, speak English, are at least 18 years old, and have experienced symptoms that required either medical care, hospitalization(s), or home care were interviewed. Theoretical sampling techniques were used as well as asking participants to refer potential women to the researcher. Participants' interviews were videotaped and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was an iterative process of constant comparison and examination. Reliability and validity were enhanced through the use of an interpretive analysis team, an audit trail, member checks and continued sampling until repetition from multiple sources was obtained. The major process that emerged from the data was "One day at a time"; this is how women live with HIV and AIDS. Themes within this process include HIV Within Health, Taking Better Care of Self, and Barriers to Taking Better Care of Self. Within these themes women describe their health, HIV as part of their health, and the physical and psychological signs and symptoms of HIV disease. They describe hierarchical stigma, support systems, HIV disclosure, illness management, and spiritual/mystical factors as beneficial. They also describe how patriarchy, uncertainty, physical problems, and biopsychosociospiritual deficits are detrimental to their care. Recommendations are made for nursing practice and research as well for theory development.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 57-02, Section: B, page: 0987.

Thesis (PH.D.)--THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN, 1995.

School code: 0227.