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Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to describe the private and public suffering realms and experiences of urban HIV-infected Black men
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to learn about the challenges of living with HIV/AIDS among urban Black men
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the day-to-day experiences of urban HIV-infected Black males in living with HIV/AIDS.
Methods: Qualitative narrative inquiry with in-depth interviews were undertaken with urban Black men (n = 50) who self-reported being HIV-infected. Participants averaged in age 43.98 years, with mean time since diagnosis of 12.5 years. Interviews were coded and analyzed thematically.
Findings: Participants presented accounts of their illness in which they suffered symptoms both in private and public spheres. Their private accounts were characterized by activities to protect their privacy. They were preoccupied with managing their appearances, controlling information, and internalizing perceptions of being stigmatized. Public accounts were characterized by overriding preoccupation with questions of acceptability and adversative social interaction with family members, friends, and community members. Many reported of enacted stigma due to their HIV positive status.
Conclusion: Findings from the study suggest a sub-population of urban men who faced health and social challenges but were resilient with strong will to live. Although a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS today may not carry the imminent fear of death as two decades ago, a diagnosis of HIV-infection does mean restructuring one’s life to face the future. Individuals with HIV/AIDS must contend with uncertainties not only in relation to their physical health, but also in regard to financial security, alterations in social and familial relationships and social stigma, all of which may adversely impact quality of life.