The adaptive process from diagnosis to regular medication for HIV/AIDS infected patients.

• Main Authors: Shu-Hui Liu, 劉淑惠
• Other Authors: Cindy Wang
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/73605845139271126637

碩士 === 弘光科技大學 === 護理研究所 === 101 === Each year, 5 million new HIV infections occur worldwide. Domestically, AIDS cases number a total of 22,296 as of 2012. In recent years, new HIV infections have tended to occur increasingly among younger people. With improvements in therapy, the survival time of AIDS patients has increased, and the disease has tended to become chronic. Thus, the topic of long-term care has become increasingly important and complex. High medication compliance for highly effective antiviral drugs can inhibit viral replication in the body, extending patient survival time. Therefore, the consumption of medication is extremely important. In this study, we investigated the process of AIDS patients consuming medication according to a schedule following diagnosis. We used the qualitative grounded theory research method. We conducted semi structured in-depth interviews with a total of 10 AIDS patients. We used the open coding, axial coding, and selective coding methods recommended in grounded theory for data analysis. The subsequent results evinced the following five categories: (1) Symptoms that emerged because of AIDS; (2) patients’ initial response to a diagnosis of AIDS; (3) protective preventative measures; (4) effects or responses within interpersonal relationships; and (5) strategies for taking medication as process. The core category was “facing reality and coexisting with AIDS.” In our conclusion, we present a preliminary theoretical framework for AIDS patients taking medication according to a schedule and coexisting with AIDS. Finally, we provide suggestions for clinical practice regarding study results. In addition to educating medical staff on how to care for patients, efforts should be made in public education to remove the stigma of AIDS. Furthermore, prevention, education, counseling, testing, and treatment efforts should be combined for efficient management to increase AIDS patients’ medication compliance.