Abstract
Body image concerns are common among people living with HIV (PLHIV). Research into how young people living with HIV (YPLHIV) experience and make sense of feared or actual body changes is limited, yet these changes have emotional, psychological and interpersonal implications for young people who associate physical attractiveness with social desirability. The current study examined the subjective perceptions of body appearance and coping mechanisms among a sample of YPLHIV in Durban, South Africa. An interpretive qualitative inquiry was adopted to understand their lived experiences in relation to their body image and body satisfaction. In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 YPLHIV (15–24 years). Findings indicate physical and psychosocial effects of living with HIV among young people including weight loss, skin sores, body dissatisfaction, loss of self-esteem and social withdrawal. The study builds on previous research suggesting that PLHIV may experience a discrepancy between their actual self and ideal self. Enhancing existing coping mechanisms such as religious beliefs, support networks and physical exercises among YPLHIV can counter the physical and psychosocial effects of living with HIV and improve well-being. Body image concerns should be acknowledged when addressing HIV-related health in both health and family settings.
Highlights
The introduction and wide availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has offered hope to people living with HIV (PLHIV) as the treatment has reduced mortality, increased life expectancy and improved quality of life significantly [1]
One of the challenges faced by young people living with HIV (YPLHIV) is managing debilitating physical and psychosocial factors arising from living with the condition itself and its treatment [3, 4], with HIV infected adolescents usually
Our findings indicate physical and psychosocial effects of living with HIV among young people including weight loss, skin sores, body dissatisfaction, loss of self-esteem and social withdrawal
Summary
The introduction and wide availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has offered hope to people living with HIV (PLHIV) as the treatment has reduced mortality, increased life expectancy and improved quality of life significantly [1]. As more HIV-positive young people live longer, focus is slowly shifting to improving their health-related quality of life. One of the challenges faced by young people living with HIV (YPLHIV) is managing debilitating physical and psychosocial factors arising from living with the condition itself and its treatment [3, 4], with HIV infected adolescents usually. Perceptions of body-image among young people living with HIV showing stunted and slow growth, compared to their uninfected counterparts [5]. Studies with both male and female participants have shown that alterations in body appearances have significant effects on the psychosocial well-being and quality of life of PLHIV [6, 7]. There is limited research on ART-related lipodystrophy (a disorder of fatty tissue characterized by a selective loss of body fat) in lowand middle-income countries especially among adolescents [9], yet the prevalence of lipodystrophy is substantial in these setting [10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
