Perceptions of People Living with HIV Regarding Their Diagnosis and Treatment Processes: A Qualitative Study

AIDS is a spectrum of conditions caused by infection with the HIV. The virus induces the weakening of human immunity, and, if untreated, eventually results in the clinical manifestation of AIDS leading to the fatal breakdown of total immune system and ensuing death. HIV spreads primarily by unprotected sexual intercourse, infected blood transfusions, and from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding.  Although the complete cure of the disease has not been discovered yet, antiretroviral treatment is highly indicated, worldwide, for the improvement of the quality of life. However, HIV / AIDS has major social and cultural implications that raise ethical concerns, such as autonomy, confidentiality, non-maleficence.

This study aims to focus on the perceptions of people living with HIV based on the evidence retrieved from a qualitative field study that has been carried out in Turkey. The population consists of a sufficient number of patients living with HIV / AIDS in Istanbul. After obtaining informed consent of the volunteers, the interviews have been recorded on the voice tape. The voice recordings have been transcribed afterwards and the contents of the participants' opinions have been systematically analyzed.

In conclusion, according to the scope of our qualitative research, the participants perceive some concerns and issues as regards to the patient autonomy, namely, obtaining proper informed consent; to the breach of confidentiality and privacy of the personal health data on non-medical reasons; to the partner notification suitably; to stigmatization and discrimination in the healthcare setting through their diagnosis and treatment processes. Evidence shows that the number of people living with HIV/ AIDS is on the rise in Turkey. In light of these data and findings, HIV/AIDS is a public and personal health problem globally as well as it harbors ethical concerns and issues on part of the people living with HIV/AIDS. This study argues that the conflict between the respect to patient’s autonomy by obtaining proper informed consent and keeping confidentiality and privacy by appropriate partner notification can be resolved through adequate and efficient healthcare policies protecting the beneficence of both the patient and the third parties through institutional partner notification strategies in a healthcare system favoring non-discrimination and non-stigmatization.

Keywords: HIV / AIDS, Autonomy, Confidentiality, Discrimination, Ethics