Abstract
This study explores the experiences of Filipino women living with HIV (PLWH) by using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Four women consented to participate in the study. Two were ciswomen while two were transgender women, aged 30-54 years. Semi-structured interviews yielded three superordinate themes with respective sub-themes: (1) The traumatic adversities of HIV diagnosis: ruined life, experiences of stigma, and physical health decline; (2) Quest for wellness and longer life: prayer of fortitude, medical intervention, and finding an ally; and (3) Resiliency and meaningful life: self-acceptance, recognizing life’s purpose, and surviving with positivity. The phenomenology of participants in this study provides information that they survived the traumatic physical, psychological and social adversities of HIV diagnosis and achieved wellness and longer life by availing the medical treatment of the newer antiretroviral therapy, finding refuge with HIV support groups, and enhancing their religious faith and spirituality which likewise allowed them for self-acceptance, discover their life’s purpose, and strengthening their resiliency. The participants’ phenomenological meanings of living with HIV illustrate their journey of positivity having a prevailing conviction to continue, go on and sustain with life as they continuously maximize their inner strength, accomplish meaningful tasks and achieve a fulfilling life. Recommendations include intensifying the quality health care management in the current structure of HIV treatment hubs that must be PLWH-friendly, safe, empathic, compassionate, and gender-sensitive, to build acceptance and resilience among PLWH.
Presenters
Pilipinas Ma. JareñoDean of the Office of Student Services and Affairs, Higher Education, Central Philippines State University, Negros Occidental, Philippines
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2022 Special Focus—At the Crossroads of Paradigms: Considering Heterodoxy in the Social Sciences
KEYWORDS
KEYWORDS: LIVED EXPERIENCES, WOMEN LIVING WITH HIV, INTERPRETATIVE PHENOMENOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
