Revelations of HIV-infected patients treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in rural Uganda

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the psychosocial changes revealed by persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in western Uganda as a result of the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Fourteen participants were interviewed on two occasions. Two focus groups discussions were also conducted. Patients experienced important personal benefits as a result of HAART and the resulting clinical improvement. These benefits included a restoration of hope, self-esteem and personal agency. Patients were also relieved of the great fear which they had about the conditions of their death. The financial and social struggles introduced by AIDS illness continued after the introduction of HAART. The conclusion is that the HAART programs should provide more holistic care to patients to address the persistent family issues identified in this study.

Keywords:

• HAART
• qualitative study
• impact of treatment
• personal experiences
• bad deaths
• Uganda

Acknowledgements

We thank Jean Kipp for providing useful comments and edits on the many drafts of this paper. We also thank Peter Rwakilembe for his tireless assistance during the collection of this data. The study was financed by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) through grant no. MOP-74586.