Self-Care Symptom-Management Strategies amongst Women Living with HIV/AIDS in an Urban Area in Kwazulu-Natal

ABSTRACT

People living with HIV and AIDS experience a number of symptoms such as fatigue; nausea and vomiting; fever and anxiety during the various stages of the illness. This has a negative effect on their quality of life. Women are the most commonly infected group and are at greater risk of acquiring HIV than men. In addition to their vulnerability; women have other responsibilities in society and expectations from society to fulfil. Women's health-seeking and health practice behaviours are often hindered by a number of factors; including family responsibilities; poverty and fear. This paper presents the findings of a qualitative study aimed at exploring the self-care symptom-management strategies used by women living with HIV and AIDS in an urban area in KwaZulu- Natal in 2006. Eleven participants were selected through a purposive sampling method until saturation was reached. Individuals were assessed in depth; using the symptom-management strategy interview. Qualitative content analysis was used to examine the transcribed interviews; using a deductive approach based on the categories of self-care symptom-management strategies. Various physical and psychological symptoms and a number of self-care symptom-management strategies were reported by the participants and these included taking medication and seeking help. The study makes recommendations on how to improve women's ability to employ a self-care strategy in managing their HIV- and AIDS-related symptoms