Women from Africa living with HIV in London: a descriptive study

Abstract

There are no studies that have examined the particular needs and experiences of African women living with HIV in the UK at a time when they represent an increasingly large proportion of the UK HIV epidemic. This study explores the illness biographies and daily lives of HIV-positive African women receiving treatment in London. Sixty-two women from 11 African countries attending HIV specialist clinics in five London hospitals participated in self-completion questionnaires and in depth semi-structured interviews. Using a narrative approach, women were asked to talk about their HIV status in the broader context of their life history. Important differences exist within this group based mainly on nationality, income, education level and legal status in the UK. However, marked similarities also emerged which were related in part to their situation as migrants and were compounded by their illness. Stigma, both actual and perceived, had a profound impact on women's lives, making control of information about their situation a matter of acute concern. This had an effect on how women accessed health services and voluntary sector agencies. The resilience of women in dealing with difficulties in their lives was strengthened by religious belief. Such similarities and differences need to be properly understood by health and social care professionals if they are to offer the most appropriate care for this growing population of patients.

Acknowledgments

Hannah Doyal helped develop the study and carried out a proportion of the interviews. Denise Bowden transcribed the tape recordings. Collaborators include Dr Antonia Moore and Dr Margaret Johnson (Royal Free Hospital), Dr Guy Baily (Royal London Hospital), Dr Ade Fakoya (Newham General Hospital), Lisa Power (Terrence Higgins Trust) and Elizabeth Crafer (Positively women). Staff of the Andrewes Unit St Bartholomew's Hospital, Grahame Hayton Unit Royal London Hospital, Ian Charleston Unit Royal Free Hospital, Department of Sexual Health Homerton University Hospital and the Greenway Centre at Newham General Hospital promoted the study and found the space and time to accommodate the researchers and study participants. JA was granted sabbatical leave by Queen Mary College (University of London) and was supported by a mid career break award from Private Patients Plan Healthcare Trust who funded the study. A particular thank you to all the women who took part, giving their time to share complex and often painful life stories.