The effect of HIV on patients’ lives: a phenomenological qualitative study

Introduction Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection poses a significant threat to the immune system, compromising the body’s ability to combat diseases and infections. The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia reported an HIV incidence rate of 3 cases per 10,000 individuals. This study aimed to g...

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Main Authors: Naif S. Alzahrani, Abdulaziz Mofdy Almarwani
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2024-12-01
Series:International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health & Well-Being
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Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2024.2315634
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author Naif S. Alzahrani
Abdulaziz Mofdy Almarwani
author_facet Naif S. Alzahrani
Abdulaziz Mofdy Almarwani
author_sort Naif S. Alzahrani
collection DOAJ
description Introduction Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection poses a significant threat to the immune system, compromising the body’s ability to combat diseases and infections. The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia reported an HIV incidence rate of 3 cases per 10,000 individuals. This study aimed to gain insight into the lived experience of Saudi patients living with HIV. Methods Employing a qualitative phenomenological approach, this study conducted in-depth interviews with 16 HIV patients (10 men, 6 women) between January 2023 and May 2023. Results Thematic data analysis highlighted three overarching themes and four subthemes. “Fear of the Future” encompassed subthemes including the fear of infecting a family member, fear of marriage, fear of employment recruitment, and fear of scandals. “Hopelessness” reflected the profound emotional state experienced by patients. “Overcoming Adversity” captured the resilience and strength demonstrated by individuals facing the challenges of living with HIV. Conclusion Saudi patients diagnosed with HIV encounter numerous obstacles in their daily lives. The fear of the future, including concerns such as infecting family members, marriage prospects, employment opportunities, and potential social repercussions, significantly impacts their overall well-being. By understanding the lived experience of HIV patients in Saudi Arabia, healthcare providers and policymakers can better support and enhance the quality of life for this population.
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spelling doaj-art-a918bc5966a54fdaa6abd8af99b3a9972025-08-20T02:50:12ZengTaylor & Francis GroupInternational Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health & Well-Being1748-26231748-26312024-12-0119110.1080/17482631.2024.23156342315634The effect of HIV on patients’ lives: a phenomenological qualitative studyNaif S. Alzahrani0Abdulaziz Mofdy Almarwani1Taibah UniversityTaibah UniversityIntroduction Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection poses a significant threat to the immune system, compromising the body’s ability to combat diseases and infections. The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia reported an HIV incidence rate of 3 cases per 10,000 individuals. This study aimed to gain insight into the lived experience of Saudi patients living with HIV. Methods Employing a qualitative phenomenological approach, this study conducted in-depth interviews with 16 HIV patients (10 men, 6 women) between January 2023 and May 2023. Results Thematic data analysis highlighted three overarching themes and four subthemes. “Fear of the Future” encompassed subthemes including the fear of infecting a family member, fear of marriage, fear of employment recruitment, and fear of scandals. “Hopelessness” reflected the profound emotional state experienced by patients. “Overcoming Adversity” captured the resilience and strength demonstrated by individuals facing the challenges of living with HIV. Conclusion Saudi patients diagnosed with HIV encounter numerous obstacles in their daily lives. The fear of the future, including concerns such as infecting family members, marriage prospects, employment opportunities, and potential social repercussions, significantly impacts their overall well-being. By understanding the lived experience of HIV patients in Saudi Arabia, healthcare providers and policymakers can better support and enhance the quality of life for this population.http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2024.2315634human immunodeficiency virus (hiv)fearhopelessnessqualitative phenomenologicalsaudi arabia
spellingShingle Naif S. Alzahrani
Abdulaziz Mofdy Almarwani
The effect of HIV on patients’ lives: a phenomenological qualitative study
International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health & Well-Being
human immunodeficiency virus (hiv)
fear
hopelessness
qualitative phenomenological
saudi arabia
title The effect of HIV on patients’ lives: a phenomenological qualitative study
title_full The effect of HIV on patients’ lives: a phenomenological qualitative study
title_fullStr The effect of HIV on patients’ lives: a phenomenological qualitative study
title_full_unstemmed The effect of HIV on patients’ lives: a phenomenological qualitative study
title_short The effect of HIV on patients’ lives: a phenomenological qualitative study
title_sort effect of hiv on patients lives a phenomenological qualitative study
topic human immunodeficiency virus (hiv)
fear
hopelessness
qualitative phenomenological
saudi arabia
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2024.2315634
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