RECEIVED INFORMATION AND SOCIAL SUPPORT FOR WOMEN LIVING WITH HIV DURING THE PERINATAL PERIOD

Abstract

The actual number of people living with HIV Latvian is estimated at 1.5 to 2 times higher than proven. Statistical data on the vertical mode of transmission shows that only half of HIV-infected pregnant women start the preventive therapy in a timely manner. As health care professionals we need to establish and react to the women`s who live with HIV personal experiences with support and information received during health care in the perinatal period. Aim. Research women`s living with HIV and perinatal health care professionals personal experience about received information and social support for women living with HIV during the perinatal period. Material and methods. Study tool was selected semi-structured, in-depth interview, which allows to discover not only the status quo, but also what has been in the other stories, depicting human action and belief diversity. It was part of the master's thesis (at Riga Stradiņš University)and was conducted as part qualitative phenomenological study. Results. Summarizing the information obtained through interviews several topics emerged, two of them was social support persons and RAKUS stationary Latvian Infectology Center as safe social and informational support basis. Conlusions. Experts and women living with HIV, notes the lack of information on preventive medical measures succession of women living with HIV, and social support availability. Social support mainly had been received from the closest relatives (mothers, grandmothers, sisters). There were not even one person who named friend or neighbor as social support person.