Positive self-management program for women living with HIV: a descriptive analysis

J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care. 2009 Nov-Dec;20(6):458-67. doi: 10.1016/j.jana.2009.05.003.

Abstract

There is an increasing need for community-based interventions to help women living with HIV better manage their symptoms and self-care. The investigators conducted a small descriptive pilot study to assess whether women living with HIV needed and wanted a community-based symptom management workshop, such as the Positive Self-Management Program (PSMP). A total of 7 HIV-infected adult women participated in five, 2-hour semi-structured focus groups and completed a brief survey on demographic information, HIV medications, HIV symptoms, and self-efficacy. Quantitative and qualitative data are presented. This pilot study suggests that urban-dwelling, HIV-infected women are interested in participating in a community-based, peer-led intervention and that the program may facilitate symptom management. Nurses caring for women living with HIV should consider referring their patients to community-based, peer-led programs that teach symptom management strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / physiopathology
  • HIV Infections / psychology
  • HIV Infections / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Self Care*