Living with HIV/AIDS: A Qualitative Study to Assess the Quality of Life of Adolescents (13-19 Years) attending ART Centre of Selected Hospital in New Delhi

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescents are the vulnerable group likely to have multiple interacting factors affecting their quality of life especially in Indian setting which has a large population of HIV positive children. Therefore, in order to understand the lived experiences and challenges faced by adolescents a Qualitative study was conducted to assess the QOL (Quality of Life) of Adolescents living with HIV/AIDS (ALWHA) under 3 domains: Psychological, Social & Spiritual. The research questions assessed were: What are the psychological experiences of ALWHA, What are the social experiences of ALWHA? How has the diagnosis of the illness affected the day to day life of ALWHA? What challenges do the adolescents face in their day to day life as a person living with HIV/AIDS?

Methods: A Qualitative approach with phenomenological design was implemented. Participants were selected through purposive sampling technique and data was collected using semi-structured interview schedule.

Result & Conclusion: Data was analyzed using thematic analysis and subsequent themes, sub-themes and categories emerged, which were: Reluctance to disclosure of HIV status, Experiences with Disclosure, Social Support, Spiritual well being, Difference in living with the disease before and after disclosure, Positive Living and Sexuality and Shame. The participants in this study had several resources at hand, including the treatment facilities and social support, which contributed to the acceptance of the disease condition and a positive living. Thus, it showed that ALWHA had an overall good QOL.