This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Widespread use of antiretroviral medications has decreased HIV morbidity, progression to AIDS, and AIDS mortality, but HIV/AIDS remains a major health problem. Persons with HIV/AIDS must manage illness, complex treatment regimens, symptoms potentially affecting adherence and quality of life, and risks for other diseases, while dealing with social stigma that may affect their use of health promotion activities customarily available to other chronically ill populations. Treatment non-adherence contributes to negative health outcomes. The purpose of this exploratory study is to deepen and enrich understanding about persons' with HIV/AIDS perceptions about health, life quality, symptoms, illness intrusion, and medication-taking. Additionally, the congruence of narrative and questionnaire data will be examined. The proposed study will use two methods to collect data from 40 adults with HIV/AIDS: 1) selected self-report instruments collecting biographic, perceived health status, quality of life, symptoms, illness intrusiveness, and medication-taking data, and 2) focused group/individual interviews, using a structured interview guide. Questionnaire data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics. Narrative data will be analyzed using Miles and Huberman's data analysis techniques. The study will provide information useful for designing future health promotion interventions and future studies for persons with HIV/AIDS, with the ultimate goal of improving health outcomes.
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