Theodora Stroumpouki1, Stephanie Perrett2, Pavlos Kasdovasilis3, Panagiotis Papatheodorou4, Vasilios Paparizos5, Areti Stavropoulou6. 1. Acute Adult Nursing, Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Kingston University and St George's, University of London, Kingston Hill Campus, Kingston upon Thames KT2 7LB, United Kingdom. Electronic address: t.stroumpouki@sgul.kingston.ac.uk. 2. Health and Justice, Health Protection Team, Public Health Wales, 4th Floor, Number 2 Capital Quarter, Tyndall Way, Cardiff CF10 4BZ, United Kingdom. Electronic address: stephanie.perrett@wales.nhs.uk. 3. Health Psychology, Business Improvement and Research Manager, Rehability UK, 25 Hatton Place, 118 Midland Rd, Luton, LU2 0FB, United Kingdom. 4. Health Center of Vamos, Vamos Apokoronou, Crete, GR 73008, Greece. 5. HIV/AIDS Unit, 'A. Syggros' Hospital, 5 I. Dragoumi Str., Kessariani 161 21, Athens, Greece. 6. Department of Nursing, University of West Attica, Ag. Spiridonos 28, 12243 Aegaleo, Greece. Electronic address: astavropoulou@uniwa.gr.
Abstract
Aim To identify the experiences related to adaptation for people living with HIV in Greece and to explore different adaptation stages as well as their individual reactions. BACKGROUND: Receiving an HIV positive diagnosis leads to major changes in an individual's life and it can trigger an array of emotions including fear, despair and loss of control. As the profile of the disease has changed due to its transition into a chronic disease and extended life expectancy, adaptation to life and coping with uncertain events is of paramount importance. METHOD: Interpretative phenomenological research design was used to guide data collection and analysis. A purposive sampling technique was used. Ethical procedures were taken into account and nine individuals who were diagnosed with HIV took part in the study using semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: Data analysis revealed the different stages of adaptation that the participants experienced after an HIV positive diagnosis. A superordinate theme identified as 'a journey towards acceptance' while five subthemes were formed, namely, 'Communicating the bad news, Conscious loneliness, Getting information, Receiving Support, and Moving on with hope'. CONCLUSION: An HIV positive diagnosis can affect the very core of the individual as the essence of -self- is targeted and in need of reform. Education, empathy, family and social support can help the individual make small steps towards a greater journey, that of acceptance.
Aim To identify the experiences related to adaptation for people living with HIV in Greece and to explore different adaptation stages as well as their individual reactions. BACKGROUND: Receiving an HIV positive diagnosis leads to major changes in an individual's life and it can trigger an array of emotions including fear, despair and loss of control. As the profile of the disease has changed due to its transition into a chronic disease and extended life expectancy, adaptation to life and coping with uncertain events is of paramount importance. METHOD: Interpretative phenomenological research design was used to guide data collection and analysis. A purposive sampling technique was used. Ethical procedures were taken into account and nine individuals who were diagnosed with HIV took part in the study using semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: Data analysis revealed the different stages of adaptation that the participants experienced after an HIV positive diagnosis. A superordinate theme identified as 'a journey towards acceptance' while five subthemes were formed, namely, 'Communicating the bad news, Conscious loneliness, Getting information, Receiving Support, and Moving on with hope'. CONCLUSION: An HIV positive diagnosis can affect the very core of the individual as the essence of -self- is targeted and in need of reform. Education, empathy, family and social support can help the individual make small steps towards a greater journey, that of acceptance.