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- Permanent Link:
- http://sobekcmsrv.barrynet.barry.edu/AA00001789/00001
Thesis/Dissertation Information
- Degree Disciplines:
- Nursing
Notes
- Abstract:
- Background: African American women (AAW) account for the majority of new HIV/AIDS cases in the US (CDC, 2006). Although researchers have begun to examine important issues associated with AAW and HIV/AIDS, research delving into the in-depth understanding of the complexities of their lived experience has been limited. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of AAW living with HIV/AIDS. Methods: A qualitative method in the tradition of phenomenology provided the most meaningful platform for understanding the human experiences of AAW living with this disease. The research question ―What is the lived experience of AAW living with HIV/AIDS? it was answered through semi-structured, face-to-face, audiotaped interviews that lasted no more than one hour. A purposive sample of 14 AAW over 18 years old who self-identified as HIV- positive and residing in South Florida were interviewed. Participants were contacted for a second one-hour, face-to-face meeting after data transcription for verification and member checking. The researcher used the hermeneutic phenomenological approach by van Manen (1990) that encourages use of a concurrent, continuous, and dynamic cycle. This cycle involves the process of describing, interpreting, and textual writing for data analysis. Results: Three related themes of shattering self, constructing meaning, and empowering emerged through this phenomenological investigation. These themes vividly illuminated the totality of this experience filtered through these AAW‘s existential lifeworld of space, body, time, and human relation. Starck‘s (2003) middle range theory of meaning provided a framework for gaining a deeper and more authentic understanding of this phenomenon. Conclusion: The essence of this lived experience is a dynamic process that includes the initial shattering of one‘s view of self and the world, an attempt in reconstructing prior assumptions and finding meaning in a negative situation, and an empowering experience of being in control and achieving one‘s life purpose. Study findings illustrated the vital need for meaning construction through the suffering experienced by AAW with HIV/AIDS. Thus, for healthcare providers, understanding the deep level at which this experience affects AAW appears to be a fundamental precursor for the provision of effective and culturally sensitive support.
- Thesis:
- Thesis (Ph.D.)--Barry University, 2010.
- Bibliography:
- Includes bibliographical references (leaves 105-114).
Record Information
- Source Institution:
- Barry University
- Holding Location:
- Barry University Archives and Special Collections
- Rights Management:
- Copyright Lonar Anthony Umadhay. Permission granted to Barry University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
- Resource Identifier:
- RC607.A26 U63 2010_UmadhayLonar ( BU-Local )
- Classification:
- RC607.A26 U63 2010 ( lcc )
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