Abstract

Background: 36,9 millions of people are today living with the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Every year 400-500 new cases of HIV occur and today approximately 6,500 people live with the disease in Sweden. Getting a chronic disease can mean a changed life situation for the affected person and the society tends to stigmatize people living with HIV.

Purpose: To describe people's experiences of living with HIV.

Method: A literature study with descriptive design was produced and 12 scientific qualitative articles from the database CINAHL were included in the content of the study.

Findings: Four main themes were identified for the study's findings: Getting the diagnosis of HIV, Relationships, Difficulties and Negative Emotions, and Changed Perspectives and Positive Emotions. Some participants in the study experienced difficulties living with HIV. In connection with newly discovered HIV diagnosis, many feelings and reactions could arise. Lost hopes, guilt and shame were common experiences of people living with HIV. Fear existed over how family, friends and society would look at them differently. Some people experienced a negative response from healthcare professionals, while some found healthcare professionals as an important support. Some people initially felt feelings of hopelessness and looked at their illness as a death sentence, but over time they got a changed perspective with increased understanding and could instead see bright on the future.

Conclusion: Different experiences emerged from living with HIV. Getting the diagnosis of HIV could create devastating feelings for the affected person, but through different kinds of support and strategies, people could have a more positive view of life. Experiences of being treated differently in health care and from their environment could be a great strain in their daily life. In the nurse's work it is therefore important to provide people with HIV as well as relatives with adequate information about the disease and work for person-centered care.