Transition from diagnosis to regular medication use for adults with HIV/AIDS infection

Abstract

Every year, approximately 5 million new HIV and AIDS cases are diagnosed worldwide. With advances in treatment, the lifespan of patients with HIV/AIDS has been extended, with the disease becoming a chronic condition, meaning that long-term care is necessary and complicated. Through effective treatment compliance with high-potency antiviral medication, in viva viral replication can be suppressed; thus, the life expectancy of individual patients can be extended. Therefore, taking medication regularly is crucial for patients. This study employed the grounded theory approach, using a semi structured method to conduct in-depth interviews with 10 participants with HIV/AIDS in Taiwan. Open, axial, and selective coding were used for data analysis. Results: The five categories comprised symptoms resulting from HIV/AIDS, the initial reaction to HIV/AIDS diagnosis, preventative strategies for self-protection, management of interpersonal relationships, and strategies for taking medication regularly. The core category was accepting reality and living with HIV/AIDS. This paper suggests that public education should be used to remove the stigma of HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, combining prevention, education, consultation, counseling, testing, and treatment for effective management can increase medication compliance.