The Lived Experience of Women with HIV/AIDS: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: The number of individuals living with HIV/AIDS keeps increasing. As this disease is transmitted mostly through sexual intercourse, the number of woman sufferers also increases. The aim of this study want tto explore the lived experience of women with HIV/AIDS. Methods: This qualitative research employed descriptive research approach. Six informants involved in the study were recruited using snowballing sampling technique. Sociodemographic data include age, education, occupation, number of children, and age of children. The interview guide was prepared based on the research objectives and the guide comprised a number of questions to explore the experiences of women with HIV/AIDS. Research data were collected through in-depth interviews. Data analysis was done to describe the life experiences of women with HIV/AIDS using the Colaizzi method. Results: Women with HIV / AIDS were infected by their husbands because the husbands have other partners. Some cases are due to drug abuse. When HIV / AIDS was first diagnosed, the women were shocked. However, because of the support from their family, peers, and the government, the women live like other healthy women. Conclusion and Recomendation: Women with HIV/AIDS could live like other healthy women if they receive support from their family, peers, and the government.