Reducing health disparities through understanding the lived experiences of women living with HIV regarding intimate relationship power and reproductive decision‐making

Abstract

AbstractSignificant health disparities exist in both infection rates and outcomes for those with HIV, 19% of whom are women, the majority in their reproductive years of life and African American. Utilizing Husserlian phenomenological methodology, the purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of women living with HIV and their reproductive decision making, as well as the power dynamics within their relationship and if or how these dynamics shape their reproductive decision‐making. Data from in‐depth interviews from nine participants were analyzed utilizing The Listening Guide. Three major themes emerged: I Have My Tribe; I Have the Power; and I am HIV‐Positive, but I am Normal, and I am Informed. Although these women experienced personal betrayals and stigma, they were still capable of disclosing their HIV status to their significant others, demonstrating personal power which led to positive power dynamics between the women and their partners especially in terms of sexual and reproductive decision‐making. Efforts must continue to support HIV‐positive women in retaining their personal power if we are to reduce health disparities.