The patient’s experience of living with HIV/AIDS

Abstract: Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a deadly retrovirus that has no cure. After a long period of time without HIV treatment advances the disease to a more dangerous stage called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The HIV/AIDS epidemic has claimed over 34 million lives of people worldwide. The recent studies have shown concordant results of treating and preventing the disease but have shown lack of knowledge on how patients experience living with HIV/AIDS.     Aim: The purpose of this study is to describe the patient’s experience of living with HIV/Aids.   Methodology: A descriptive literature study review that based on fourteen scientific articles which include both qualitative and quantitative studies.   Key findings: The results show that after the diagnosis of HIV, patients tend to experience both psychological and physiological challenges. Stigma and discrimination were found to be the major causes of mental health problems. Patient’s financial insecurities, fear of being stigmatised and impairments were among other factors that prevented patients from engaging in care. Good treatment from caregivers, trustworthy relationships, education, positive coping strategies, friends and family support enabled patients to live a healthier life with their disease.    Conclusions: The patient’s experience of living with HIV/AIDS was highly influenced by both the patient and society’s knowledge about the disease, their location, gender, economic status, and the kind of support that was rendered by friends, family, or the health system. Stigma and discrimination continued to be the leading factor that prevented patients from testing for HIV and engaging in care.