“Until Everyone is Free, No One is Free.” IlluminatingCaring Encounters as Experience d by Nurses in theManagement of HIV/ AIDS : Case Study: Nurses attending to MSM living with HIV/AIDS in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract: Background: Nurses work closely with patients to improve care and alleviate suffering among PLHIV. However, the segregation of MSM in society and the criminalization of same-sex behaviours have caused great havoc causing deaths and suffering in developing countries for more than three decades since the scourge of HIV/AIDS emerged. Aim: The study aimed to illuminate the caring encounters in nursing management of HIV/AIDS among MSM living in Nairobi, Kenya. Method: Five semi-structured interviews were conducted to nurses and data analysed through thematic analysis. Results: Four themes were constructed; the importance of holistic care approach, operanalization of empowerment, the need for sensitization, and living in segregation. Eight sub-themes were formulated: achieving positive patient ́s wellbeing, effective nurse-patient relationship, improving health awareness, provision of social support, conflicts of values, judgmental nurses, rejection of MSM in the society, and rampant discrimination of MSM. Conclusion: Sensitized nurses on MSM sexual behaviours provide holistic care and empower MSM in the management of HIV/AIDS, unlike the ones who still hold onto homophobic prejudice based on religious, cultural and personal beliefs. The study recommends the training of nurses to be aware of the harmful societal attitudes, beliefs, rejection, and discrimination that hinders the effective management of HIV/AIDS.