Impact of Care and Social Support on Wellbeing among people living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Availability of antiretroviral therapies has transformed AIDS into a manageable chronic condition and im­proved well-being among people living with HIV/AIDS (PHA) in developed countries. In developing countries however, such transformations are yet to occur due to socio-economic, systemic and environmental constraint. This study examined the impact of social, economic, psychological and environmental factors on health and wellbeing among PHA living in south­west Nigeria. Methods: Using qualitative participatory methodology, 50 HIV positive people, 8 health personnel and 32 care providers were interviewed to explore how care and social support affect wellbeing among PHA in view of constraints to accessing antiretro­viral drugs. Analysis of data used the grounded theory (GT) approach to identify themes, which are considered cru­cial to the wellbeing of PHA. Results: The findings highlight several factors, apart from antiretroviral drugs, that impact the wellbeing of PHA in south­west Nigeria. These include concerns about deteriorating physical health, family and children's welfare, pervasive stigma, finan­cial pressures and systemic failures relating to care among others. We describe how psychosocial and social support struc­tures can considerably contribute to improving health outcomes among them because of how they affect the function­ing of immune system, self-care activities and other illness behaviours. Conclusion: We recommend that interventions should address the psychosocial, socio-economic and other systemic issues that negatively influence the wellbeing of PHA and governments need to strengthen the policy environment that empowers PHA support groups.

Keywords

• HIV/AIDS
• Nigeria
• Care support
• Social support