| Learning Objective #1: Understand the inequality in access to health care of people living with HIV/AIDS | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Know the nurse's role in advocating for a disadvantaged group and voicing their needs for equal health care services |
Objective: The purposes of this study were to describe the experiences of people with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) regarding access to the healthcare system and to generate recommendations for a model of healthcare services. Design: Qualitative narrative interpretative was utilized. Setting: Settings of this study were public healthcare settings in five different parts of Thailand. Participants: Purposive samplings of 50 PHAs who were 30 females and 20 males. Method: Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews of PHAs. Field notes were obtained for observing the contexts. Results: The results showed that many of the interviewees suffered limited treatment and care, sub-standard healthcare environment, and unequal healthcare coverage that impeded equal access specific treatments such as anti-retroviral therapy and continuity of care. Sufferers said that factors that hindered their access to healthcare and community support were healthcare provider prejudice, personal weakness, and social discrimination. Factors that helped them to access healthcare were good information and healthcare systems such as Day-Care and specific clinics for anti-retroviral therapy. They established family support and networks to gain access to good healthcare. They benefited by joining HIV/AIDS clubs that maintained their self-development, and gave them a voice to express their demands for proper healthcare. Their main healthcare needs were promotion of good health, prevention of opportunistic infection, equal access to standard care, and anti-retroviral therapy without discrimination. To promote access to continuity care, an effective referral network, adequate and qualified healthcare providers, universal healthcare coverage, and consumer protection were required. Conclusions: The results of the study provide evidence and insights into how to improve the healthcare system for PHAs. Health policy with equity and quality access to care and treatment for PHAs is also elaborated. Implication: Health policies for PHAs should be established from the evidence based on assessment of PHAs’ demands of care and experiences.
Back to Caring and Advocacy for the Suffering
Back to 37th Biennial Convention - Scientific Session
Sigma Theta Tau International