HIV is a significant health problem in the sub-Saharan Africa despite advances in treatment and improvements in survival over the last 3 decades (Mugisha etal., 2013).听
A progressive report confirmed that approximately 70% of those living with HIV/AIDS in the world reside in the sub-Saharan Africa.听
A 76% of AIDS related deaths occurred in this region in 2007 alone, sub-Saharan Africa still faces a pandemic that has already cost over 20 million lives (UNAIDS, 2013).听
This is the most severe large-scale threat to the public in living memory.听
Aims or purpose
To explore the lived experiences of HIV patients that develop comorbid psychiatric disorders using a psychotherapeutic approach.听听
Design and methodology
Qualitative thematic narrative inquiry based on the social constructionist听听paradigm and social constructivist position aimed to collect data viewed from听 peoples lived experiences representing people鈥檚 stories as told (Etherington, 2000).听
Ethical approval
Ethical Approval secured from UVRI, UNCST, Butabika Hospital and concurrently Metanoia Institute/Middlesex University.听听
Results and findings
Pilot study results identified five themes of discrimination, stigmatisation, shame, hopelessness, and resilience. Respondents appreciated sharing their narratives expressing a sense of relief, deep meaning, understanding and anticipated narrative therapeutic power in听confronting stigmatisation and discrimination they experience daily.听听
Research limitations
Limited generalisability of results and representation of a wider population due to a small-scale qualitative study.听 听
Conclusions and implications
This study will have wider implications for service design and patient education in the country.听
Pilot study findings provided insights into the lived experiences of this vulnerable听 group under-represented in the research literature, and a deep understanding of how individuals cope with co-diagnoses and engage with therapy and help-seeking behaviours.听 听
Views expressed in this article are the views of the writer and not necessarily the views of 麻豆原创. Publication does not imply endorsement of the writer鈥檚 views. Reasonable care has been taken to avoid errors but no liability will be accepted for any errors that may occur.