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'I think my future will be better than my past': examining support group influence on the mental health of HIV-infected Rwandan women.
- Source :
-
Global public health [Glob Public Health] 2013; Vol. 8 (1), pp. 90-105. Date of Electronic Publication: 2012 Jul 19. - Publication Year :
- 2013
-
Abstract
- Urgent need exists for improved psychological services among HIV-infected women in post-genocide Rwanda. Psychological problems associated with trauma and sexual violence (i.e., depression, posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD]) place women at increased risk for sexual risk behaviour, low health-seeking behaviour, delay of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and reduced ART adherence. We explored experiences of HIV-infected Rwandan women attending psychosocial support groups and their narratives about how participation affected their mental health and HIV treatment. Focus group discussions examined participants' reasons for support group attendance, perceived psychological benefit of support groups, influence on ART adherence, and other influences on health behaviors and attitudes. Rwandan women (aged 18-65) were randomly selected from 10 health clinic-facilitated support groups for HIV-infected trauma survivors in Kigali. Results identified positive psychological and physical changes as well as behaviour changes in relationships with men, which participants attributed to support group attendance. Data showed significant improvement in mental health, ART adherence and HIV serostatus disclosure resulting from group attendance. Participants acknowledged limitations of support groups with respect to addressing poverty and hunger. Implementing psychosocial support groups may leverage clinical outcomes and rejuvenate the well-being of HIV-infected women with interpersonal trauma and/or PTSD and depressive symptoms, particularly those from post-conflict countries.
- Subjects :
- Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Anti-HIV Agents therapeutic use
Female
Focus Groups
Genocide psychology
Genocide statistics & numerical data
HIV Infections drug therapy
HIV Infections epidemiology
HIV Infections etiology
Humans
Medication Adherence psychology
Medication Adherence statistics & numerical data
Middle Aged
Rwanda epidemiology
Self Disclosure
Sex Offenses statistics & numerical data
Social Stigma
Warfare
Young Adult
HIV Infections psychology
Mental Health
Self-Help Groups
Sex Offenses psychology
Survivors psychology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1744-1706
- Volume :
- 8
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Global public health
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 22812728
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1080/17441692.2012.699539