The Metamorphosis of People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the lived experiences of being
HIV positive; to describe common themes of experiences of being HIV
positive; and to analyze the meaning of experiences of being HIV positive.
The participants of this study were five HIV-positive men under the care
of the Department of Health (DOH) Region VI in Iloilo City. Specifically,
they belonged to the United Western Visayas Incorporated (UWVI), a
community-based group of people living with HIV (PLHIV) based in Iloilo
and operating in Panay and Guimaras areas. Narrative writing encouraged
the participants to rummage through emotions tied to being HIV positive.
This gave them the chance to revisit strong feelings without divulging their
identities, thus protecting their anonymity. Eight main textural themes
emerged from the lived experiences of these men, namely: disclosure
of HIV-positive status; stigma and discrimination attached to HIV; social
support from family, friends, and others; depression accompanying the
diagnosis; the physical symptoms experienced during seroconversion;
antiretroviral therapy after the diagnosis; and HIV advocacy with UWVI.
These HIV positive men have metamorphosed, from the acceptance
of their HIV positive status to reinventing their new reality and finding
purpose through their HIV advocacy. The findings suggest implications for
supportive counseling to provide empathy, support and encouragement,
and developing specific coping strategies with PLHIV.