If I didn't have HIV, I'd be dead now: illness narratives of drug users living with HIV/AIDS. Qual Health Res 2005 May;15(5):586-605
Date
04/02/2005Pubmed ID
15802537Pubmed Central ID
PMC2910614DOI
10.1177/1049732304271749Scopus ID
2-s2.0-21744446442 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 44 CitationsAbstract
The purpose of this study is to illuminate the experiences of lower income, urban, HIV-positive drug users. The authors asked 60 participants about HIV risk behaviors, the impact of HIV on their lives, religious beliefs, life plans, relationships, and work-related issues both prior to and since diagnosis. They developed a theoretical framework based on illness narratives and ambiguous loss theories. Themes pertaining to both physical and emotional or spiritual dimensions were located within Benefit, Loss, or Status Quo orientations. The findings contribute to researchers' understanding of the HIV/AIDS illness experiences among the very marginalized and have important implications for physical and mental health care professionals working with HIV-positive drug users.
Author List
Mosack KE, Abbott M, Singer M, Weeks MR, Rohena LAuthor
Katie Mosack PhD Associate Professor in the Psychology department at University of Wisconsin - MilwaukeeMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Acquired Immunodeficiency SyndromeAdult
Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
Connecticut
Female
HIV Infections
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Life Change Events
Male
Middle Aged
Narration
Qualitative Research
Risk-Taking
Substance Abuse, Intravenous
Vulnerable Populations
