Challenges Experienced by HIV/AIDS-Positive Women in Marital Relationships; A qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of HIV/AIDS is alarmingly increasing. Considering the experiences of HIV/AIDS-positive patients, experiences of the women who took HIV/AIDS from their husbands –marital relationships- can be different. The purpose of this study was to describe the challenges of these women.

Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using focus group discussions with 10 women who took HIV/AIDS from their husbands. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed by thematic analysis.

Results: Data analysis showed that participants experienced a kind of compulsive social isolation. They could not interact with anyone except their parents. They suffered from social stigma because the disease is associated with the illicit sex label. From data analysis, three main themes of fear, marital despondency, and stigma emerged.

Conclusion: The concerns and challenges of women who took HIV/AIDS from their marital relationships revealed that these women were exposed to the social strains because of having HIV / AIDS and stigma of illegitimate sexual relationships. In this regard, public awareness should be raised about this disadvantaged group of the community. To hit this target, individuals should be provided with the required information through schools as well as broadcasting and social media. Implementation of the counseling visits can create  psychological and social support for these traumatized group and their families.