Understanding Disability in Adults Living with HIV
Author Information
Author(s): O'Brien Kelly K, Bayoumi Ahmed M, Strike Carol, Young Nancy L, Davis Aileen M
Primary Institution: University of Toronto
Hypothesis
What is the conceptual framework of disability from the perspective of adults living with HIV?
Conclusion
The Episodic Disability Framework provides a new way to understand the variable nature of disability experienced by adults living with HIV.
Supporting Evidence
- Disability was seen as multi-dimensional and episodic by participants.
- The framework includes dimensions of disability, contextual factors, and triggers.
- Participants described their health-related challenges in relation to social support and stigma.
- Uncertainty was identified as a key dimension of disability.
- Major episodes of disability were often triggered by significant life events.
Takeaway
This study shows that living with HIV can cause ups and downs in health, and it's important to understand these changes to help people better manage their lives.
Methodology
The study involved four focus groups and 15 face-to-face interviews with adults living with HIV, analyzed using grounded theory techniques.
Potential Biases
Participation bias may exist if those who volunteered had different views on disability compared to those who did not participate.
Limitations
The study focused on English-speaking individuals in central Toronto, which may limit the perspectives represented.
Participant Demographics
{"gender":{"male":21,"female":16,"transgendered":1},"age":"41 years old (range: 27–58 years)","ethnic_groups":23,"nadir_CD4_count_below_200":19,"diagnosed_prior_to_1996":17,"currently_taking_HIV_medications":25,"currently_working":6}
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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