An exploration of the quality of life of people living with HIV in Greece: Challenges and opportunities.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Improving the quality of life (QoL) of people living with HIV (PLWH) has been proposed as a new priority in HIV care. The objective of this cross-sectional, qualitative study was to explore the perspectives of PLWH in Greece regarding their QoL.

Design

Twenty-four semi-structured interviews were conducted with PLWH receiving care across six HIV clinics in Greece. The thematic analysis of the transcribed interviews resulted in four themes and eleven subthemes.

Results

First, fear of repercussions (e.g., stigmatization) makes PLWH reluctant to disclose their diagnosis in public settings or disclose accounting for factors like the confidant's discretion. Second, participants are challenged by HIV's unique biopsychosocial facets (e.g., uncertainty about symptoms

SUBMITTER: Vrontaras N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9009608 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature