RESUMO
The experiences and adaptation of 8 women who were heterosexually infected with the HIV were examined. An interview schedule consisting of open-ended questions was used to elicit a full range of responses. Roy's (1984) adaptation model, focusing on physiological needs, self-concept, role-function, and interdependence provided the structure for analysis of each transcript. The interviews indicated that the women who had strong social and family support were coping better with their situation than were women who had little support. The interview responses also showed a lack of professional comportment among health care professionals in their contact with women who are HIV positive, indicating a need for further investigation of health care workers' knowledge and understanding of the needs of HIV-positive women. To plan effective programs, health care professionals need to identify the specific needs of each woman from a holistic perspective.
Assuntos
Adaptação Psicológica , Infecções por HIV/psicologia , Infecções por HIV/transmissão , Comportamento Sexual , Saúde da Mulher , Adulto , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/enfermagem , Necessidades e Demandas de Serviços de Saúde , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Modelos de Enfermagem , Modelos Psicológicos , Pesquisa Metodológica em Enfermagem , Projetos Piloto , Apoio Social , SuéciaRESUMO
During the Spring of 1991, the author spent many weeks at the Noah's Ark-Red Cross Foundation, a support service for HIV infected persons, and their families and friends, located in Stockholm, Sweden. The purpose was to study, through interviews, observation and participation, the foundation's interactive model in order to discover what makes it work and share that knowledge with other professionals. The Noah's Ark Model consists of three spheres of activity: service, including reception services and the volunteer programme; information and education, including the Hot Line and the Newsletter; and counselling and support, including the guest house. Staff from each area interact freely with and participate in the activities of other areas. The foundation also utilizes the services of carefully trained volunteers. This use of volunteers makes it unique in Sweden. It is the dedication and flexibility of the staff and volunteers that make this model work. The report of the study follows.
