Tasks and Strategies of Self-Management of Living with Antiretroviral Therapy in Uganda

• DOI: 10.1089/apc.2013.0254
• Publication Date: 2013-11-12T17:47:38Z
• Authors: Faith Martin; Thadeus Kiwanuka; Rachel Kawuma; Flavia Zalwango; Janet Seeley
• Keywords: Self-Management; Stigma; Sample (material)

There is increasing interest in promoting and supporting self-management of HIV antiretroviral treatment (ART), including resource-limited settings. Although the impact ART on people Uganda has been explored, little attention paid to how self-manage. This qualitative study collected data from 20 participants Wakiso district, Uganda, using in-depth interviews, life histories, observations explore tasks strategies living with ART. The identified were compared two existing frameworks. Results highlighted a range obtaining, taking, adhering medication, monitoring their condition, stigma managing disclosure, maintaining general health, adjusting new roles. Participants described or behaviors manage, which they actively created used, tailored needs environment. Comparison frameworks revealed many similarities, some local differences enactment, greater emphasis our sample obtaining medication. Interventions support possibly other settings, require careful adaptation degree each these may improve health quality requires further investigation.