Living with HIV: coping strategies of seropositive older adults

Abstract

Objective: To identify HIV coping strategies among HIV-positive older adults. Method: An exploratory-descriptive study with a qualitative approach conducted with HIV-positive older adults in two HIV Specialized Care Services and using the Theory of Social Representations as a theoretical framework. A semi-structured interview technique was used, which was analyzed by the lexical analysis method using the IRAMUTEQ software program. Results: Forty-eight (48) older adults participated in the study. The HIV coping strategies adopted by HIV-positive older adults are to cling to religiosity and spirituality, to adhere to treatment, to have institutional support from health professionals and support from social networks, especially family and friends, and to choose to maintain confidentiality of the diagnosis. Conclusion: HIV coping strategies, among other things, are configured for seropositive older adults as sources of empowerment, hope, possibility of life and acceptance.