The resilience of women living with HIV at Winnie Mandela Informal settlement within Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality

Abstract

Globally, it was estimated that over 37 million individuals were infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), with women being more affected by the virus compared to men. This can be attributed to various factors, such as women's low economic status and the violation of their sexual rights. Despite the availability of Antiretrovirals (ARVs) to mitigate the effects of HIV, Women Living with HIV (WLWHIV) still need certain traits to cope with the challenges. The study aimed to explore and develop a thorough understanding of the resilience strategies used by WLWHIV to cope with their HIV diagnosis. A qualitative, phenomenological design was utilized, and participants were purposefully selected. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews with fifteen WLWHIV who are part of the Central Chronic Medication Dispensing and Distribution Programme (CCMDD) at Winnie Mandela Clinic, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng Province in South Africa. Data was analysed using Tesch’s approach and four themes and fifteen sub-themes emerged. Trustworthiness was applied as a means of verifying the accuracy and reliability of the data. Ethical considerations were strictly adhered to, including obtaining informed consent, maintaining confidentiality and anonymity, ensuring beneficence, debriefing participants, and avoiding harm. Study findings have established that WLWHIV go through different experiences brought on by the virus. Some succumb to these negative experiences, while others are able to rise above them and become resilient to the virus. The study found several strategies are used for one to be resilient to HIV, such as disclosing their HIV status, attending HIV support groups and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, social workers and family members were found to play a vital role in building resilience among WLWHIV. These findings will help social workers develop interventions to assist newly diagnosed women, will make significant contributions to the academic field and aid policymakers in crafting policies that foster resilience among WLWHIV.