HIV self-management perceptions and experiences of students at one university in South Africa.
Siseko Tyabazeka, Wendy Phiri, Regis R Marie Modeste
PMID 39099293WHAT IT FOUND
Students living with HIV said stigma, medication side effects and disclosure fears disrupted studies and relationships.
They described managing by getting accurate information, exercising, eating well and keeping a positive mindset.
Key findings
01Participants said living with HIV disrupted friendships, intimate relationships and normal academic routines.
02Medication timetables and side effects interfered with study times and consistent medicine use.
03Positive self-management included dietary changes, exercise, stopping unhealthy habits and a positive mindset.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The study included only 8 students, so it cannot show how common these experiences are. It was conducted at a single university, so results may not apply to other settings. Only students using the campus clinic were included, so students using community or private care were missed. The study took place during COVID-19 restrictions, and only students who could come to campus were selected. The topic was sensitive and recruitment depended on a nurse referral, which may have affected who agreed to speak. The strategies students described were not tested for effectiveness.
Declared interests
No specific grant was reported. No other conflicts of interest were stated in the supplied text.
The easy way to misread this
Do not treat the described self-management strategies as proven to improve health or academic performance. This was a small qualitative study of 8 students at a single institution, so it reports experiences and does not test whether these strategies work.