The Metamorphosis of People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the lived experiences of beingHIV positive; to describe common themes of experiences of being HIVpositive; and to analyze the meaning of experiences of being HIV positive.The participants of this study were five HIV-positive men under the careof the Department of Health (DOH) Region VI in Iloilo City. Specifically,they belonged to the United Western Visayas Incorporated (UWVI), acommunity-based group of people living with HIV (PLHIV) based in Iloiloand operating in Panay and Guimaras areas. Narrative writing encouragedthe participants to rummage through emotions tied to being HIV positive.This gave them the chance to revisit strong feelings without divulging theiridentities, thus protecting their anonymity. Eight main textural themesemerged from the lived experiences of these men, namely: disclosureof HIV-positive status; stigma and discrimination attached to HIV; socialsupport from family, friends, and others; depression accompanying thediagnosis; the physical symptoms experienced during seroconversion;antiretroviral therapy after the diagnosis; and HIV advocacy with UWVI.These HIV positive men have metamorphosed, from the acceptanceof their HIV positive status to reinventing their new reality and findingpurpose through their HIV advocacy. The findings suggest implications forsupportive counseling to provide empathy, support and encouragement,and developing specific coping strategies with PLHIV.