Facilitators of and barriers to HIV self-management: Perspectives of HIV-positive women in China

Abstract

Aims: The aim is to explore perceived facilitators of and barriers to HIV self-management for HIV-positive Chinese women.

Background: Little is known about self-management among HIV-positive Chinese women in China. Understanding the experiences of this population is needed to promote self-management.

Methods: 27 in-depth interviews were conducted in Beijing and Shanghai. Facilitators included families being supportive after disclosure, patients learning how to live with HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, and rediscovering the meaning of life. Several barriers were also identified, including lack of support, stigma, fatigue, and financial difficulty.

Results: HIV disclosure is essential to obtaining necessary support. Ironically, disclosing to family members who stigmatize the disease may invite unwelcome responses. Helping HIV-positive women to decrease self-stigma and develop an effective way to disclose, if they choose to, is important.

Conclusion: Future interventions should focus on disclosure strategies development and self-management to prevent isolation, enhance social support, and decrease self-stigma.

Keywords: China; Disclosure; HIV/AIDS; Self-management; Support; Women.