The sense of familial responsibility of PLHIVs in the rural areas of western China

Abstract

In this paper, we explore the strong familial responsibility sense of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in rural western China, based on the data obtained from in-depth interviews. The data show that PLHIV were coping positively with a poor family economic status, caring for their family more than themselves, and taking concrete steps to fulfill their familial obligations. However, unique economic, cultural, and social factors exert negative impact on their ability to achieve their aims. The findings from our study illustrate that proper governmental and social interventions should be launched based on the actual situation and needs of local PLHIV and their families.

Keywords:

• PLHIV
• AIDS
• familial responsibility
• qualitative research
• western China

Acknowledgment

This study was supported by the China's Global Fund Round 3 project and the National Natural Science Foundation of China.