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The transition to living with HIV as a chronic condition in rural Uganda: Working to create order and control when on antiretroviral therapy

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  • Russell, Steven
  • Seeley, Janet

Abstract

This paper analyses the productive activities of people living with HIV following their uptake of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in rural Uganda. It presents findings from a two-phase qualitative research project carried out in 2005-2006 with a total of 70 participants in an ART delivery programme. The thematic analysis is not focused on the economic effects of ART for individuals and their households per se, but on how their work facilitated an adjustment or 'transition' to living with HIV as a chronic condition. The term transition refers to a person's movement towards incorporating a long-term illness, treatment regimen and its various ramifications into his or her life. This transition is achieved by people taking action and making changes in various aspects of their lives and through reflective and spiritual endeavours. The narratives of work and related activities are interpreted to be adaptive strategies to achieve this transition: 'quests' to regain control, create order and to feel 'normal' again. The paper seeks to build understanding of the transition process to living with HIV as a chronic illness in a rural African setting. It also considers the factors enabling or hindering the transition process in a resource-limited setting, notably circumstances of poverty and vulnerability. Better understanding of this transition process, the adjustment challenges people face and the support needed, is important for the success of ART programmes, because people who adjust are more likely to sustain the management of their chronic condition.

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  • Russell, Steven & Seeley, Janet, 2010. "The transition to living with HIV as a chronic condition in rural Uganda: Working to create order and control when on antiretroviral therapy," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 70(3), pages 375-382, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:70:y:2010:i:3:p:375-382
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    1. Davies, Michele L., 1997. "Shattered assumptions: Time and the experience of long-term HIV positivity," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 44(5), pages 561-571, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Wouters, Edwin & Masquillier, Caroline & Ponnet, Koen & le Roux Booysen, Frederik, 2014. "A peer adherence support intervention to improve the antiretroviral treatment outcomes of HIV patients in South Africa: The moderating role of family dynamics," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 145-153.
    2. Horter, Shona & Thabede, Zanele & Dlamini, Velibanti & Bernays, Sarah & Stringer, Beverley & Mazibuko, Sikhathele & Dube, Lenhle & Rusch, Barbara & Jobanputra, Kiran, 2017. "“Life is so easy on ART, once you accept it”: Acceptance, denial and linkage to HIV care in Shiselweni, Swaziland," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 176(C), pages 52-59.
    3. Steve Russell & Faith Martin & Flavia Zalwango & Stella Namukwaya & Ruth Nalugya & Richard Muhumuza & Joseph Katongole & Janet Seeley, 2016. "Finding Meaning: HIV Self-Management and Wellbeing among People Taking Antiretroviral Therapy in Uganda," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(1), pages 1-16, January.
    4. Thirlway, Frances & Nyamurungi, Kellen Namusisi & Matovu, Joseph K.B. & Miti, Andrew Kibuuka & Mdege, Noreen Dadirai, 2021. "Tobacco use and cessation in the context of ART adherence: Insights from a qualitative study in HIV clinics in Uganda," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 273(C).
    5. Pınar Öktem, 2015. "The Role of the Family in Attributing Meaning to Living With HIV and Its Stigma in Turkey," SAGE Open, , vol. 5(4), pages 21582440156, November.
    6. Lisa Ann Richey, 2012. "Counselling Citizens and Producing Patronage: AIDS Treatment in South African and Ugandan Clinics," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 43(4), pages 823-845, July.
    7. Faith Martin & Steve Russell & Janet Seeley, 2014. "Higher Quality of Life and Lower Depression for People on ART in Uganda as Compared to a Community Control Group," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(8), pages 1-8, August.

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