Soto GM, Ramirez JM, Campillo G, Garcia Bernal R; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12; 14: abstract no. MoPeE3711.
Fundacion Positivos por la Vida, Medellin, Colombia
BACKGROUND: In order to select adequate actions for improving life-quality of people living with HIV, it is convenient to characterize their family and social dynamics. This paper presents results of a qualitative study related to this issue, conducted in Medellin, the second largest Colombian city. METHODS: In-depth interviews to all members of 19 families of persons living with HIV/AIDS, with families of low and middle socio-economic strata, were conducted by three researchers - interviewer, writer and observer-. Talcot Parsons' social action was the theoretical frame. Main issues were the effect of acknowledgment of HIV infection diagnosis on family member roles and attitudes towards the infected person, level of support provided, and impact on social and economic situation of all family members. RESULTS: All 19 infected persons (12 males, 7 females) acquired HIV through unprotected sex, and all were affiliated to the national social security system, accessing to counseling and antiretroviral treatment. Ten maintained their same job after diagnosis, and 13 lived with their original family (nuclear, monoparental, or expanded). Most of them referred active protected sex life. Most families' members had not adequate knowledge about AIDS at the time of diagnoses, but all of them - particularly sex partners and mothers - gave support to the diagnosed persons; however, there is a low level of dialogue about AIDS within the family. Some family members found more difficult to accept sexual identity of the infected relative than the HIV diagnoses. When clinical manifestations occur, family members tend to occult real diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: In general, after the initial difficulties, family dynamics and relationships are positive and supportive when one of the members is diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, Early counseling and participation in self-support groups must be offered to relatives of PLWA. Women play a capital role in maintaining family ties.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Counseling
- Family
- Female
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Humans
- Interpersonal Relations
- Interviews as Topic
- Male
- Safe Sex
- Unsafe Sex
Other ID:
UI: 102254997
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