Self-Care Practices of Rural People with HIV Disease

Abstract

This qualitative study identified and explored the self-care behaviors of individuals with HIV/AIDS who live in rural areas. Four audiotaped focus groups were conducted with nineteen men and eight women in the rural South. Participants described activities used to take care of themselves and help them to feel better. Data analysis revealed three categories: (1) dealing with rural issues, (2) staying healthy, and (3) ways of taking care of self with HIV. Three sub-categories illustrated the concept of dealing with rural issues: (a) returning home, (b) disclosing vs. not disclosing HIV status, and (c) obtaining care. The second category, staying healthy, was portrayed by sub-categories of: (a) eating right, (b) exercising, (c) practicing safer sex, (d) discontinuing drug usage, (e) keeping a positive attitude, and (f) staying busy. The third category, taking care of self with HIV disease depicted sub-categories of participants' descriptions of: (a) taking vs. not medications, (b) going to the doctor, (c) educating themselves about HIV/AIDS, and (d) being involved with HIV/AIDS. This study has implications for health care providers and community planners.