Living in Silence: A Grounded Theory Study of HIV-Related Vulnerability

De Santis, Joseph P.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Joseph P. De Santis, PhD, ARNP, ACRN
School of Nursing & Health Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Susana Barroso, BSN, RN
School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Miami, Miami, FL
Aubrey L. Florom-Smith, BSN, RN
School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL

Learning Objective 1: Describe source of vulnerability for people living with HIV infection.

Learning Objective 2: Discuss nursing implications of HIV-related vulnerability.

Purpose: Clients with HIV infection have been conceptualized as a vulnerable population. Although some research is available to document vulnerability in the context of HIV infection, a theory of HIV-related vulnerability has not been developed. The purpose of this study was to examine HIV-related vulnerability using qualitative methodology and to develop a theory of vulnerability in the context of HIV infection.

Methods: Grounded theory methodology was used to sample and analyze data from 15 qualitative interviews of adults with HIV infection. Data were collected from September to December 2008, and concluded when data saturation was reached.

Results: A theory that describes the process by which vulnerability occurs in the context of HIV infection, Living in Silence, emerged from the data. Living in Silence consists of four categories: Confronting Mortality and Illness, Struggling with Change, Encountering a Lack of Psychosocial Support, and Experiencing Vulnerability.

Conclusion: Clients living with HIV infection experience vulnerability at some point in the disease trajectory. Nursing interventions to decrease the risks of vulnerability should be directed toward the holistic needs of clients, and toward increasing psychosocial support.

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