Where will this illness take me? Reactions to HIV diagnosis from women living with HIV in Kenya
Kako, P.M.; Stevens, P.E.; Karani, A.K.
Health Care for Women International 32(4): 278-299
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 0739-9332 PMID: 21409662 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2010.530727Document Number: 226873
The purpose of our study was to develop an in-depth understanding of the reactions of 40 urban and rural HIV-infected Kenyan women to HIV diagnosis. We employed narrative inquiry principles to guide this qualitative cross-sectional study. We conducted individual in-depth interviews using open-ended questions in April and May 2006. In this article we focus on women's reactions to HIV diagnosis, under which four subthemes emerged: immediate intense emotions; keeping HIV status secret; acceptance of HIV diagnosis; and finding liberation in disclosure. We offer important implications for health care professionals serving women in sub-Saharan Africa from the findings of our study.