Date of Award

2015

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

College

College of Nursing

First Advisor

Ida Spruill

Second Advisor

Elaine J. Amella

Third Advisor

Susan D. Newman

Fourth Advisor

Michelle Teti

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a health-related stigmatizing condition that progresses to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), characterized by a weakened immune system and opportunistic diseases. South Carolina ranks eighth for AIDS prevalence in the United States, and for socioeconomic reasons, women, specifically minority women, in the southern region of the country experience the worst clinical outcomes after receiving an HIV diagnosis. Research that focuses on strategies to improve clinical outcomes for women living with HIV (WL-HIV) has great value in promoting empowerment and health equity especially among minority women. The current study used a participatory research design to collaborate with WL-H IV to create photo journals to identify personal challenges and supports. Data source included (discussions, photographs, and one-on-one interviews). The investigator used a grounded theory approach to analyze the data and identified major themes and subthemes. Major themes for supports included spirituality and empowerment; and subthemes were, reinventing self and positive relationships. The investigator identified stigma as the major theme for challenges, and public silence on HIV and missed opportunities were subthemes. The author provided specific recommendations for future research and clinical practice. Manuscript 1: Defining Hope among HIV-Positive African American Females. This article was a concept analysis of hope among African American females living with HIV and was accepted for publication by The Journal of Christian Nurses, (Kennedy, 2015). Manuscript 2: Ethical Considerations Regarding Barriers and Facilitators to Research Participation for Patients Affected by Health-related Stigmatizing Conditions. This integrative review focused on the ethical implications of omitting persons living with health-related stigmatizing conditions, such as human immunodeficiency virus, substance use disorders, and intimate partner violence. The author formatted this manuscript for The American Journal of Nursing. Manuscript 3: Picturing Life: Using Photo Journals to Explore Challenges and Supports for Women Living with HIV. This manuscript explored the challenges and supports experienced by women with HIV in South Carolina. This qualitative study employed a participatory research design with Photovoice as the method of data collection.

Rights

All rights reserved. Copyright is held by the author.

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