The aim of the literature review was to describe how persons living with HIV experience their health-related quality of life, and which coping strategies they use. Scientific articles were searched in the databases Pubmed and Cinahl. The keywords used were HIV, nursing, health-related quality of life and coping. A total of 18 articles were included in the study. The main result of the literature review showed that persons living with HIV have lower health-related quality of life than healthy individuals. Variables that affected the health-related quality of life were gender, age, symptom experience, antiretroviral treatment, self-care/coping and circumstances of life. Use of both problem-oriented coping strategies and emotion-oriented coping strategies were identified in persons living with HIV. Problem-oriented coping strategies contained lifestyle changes, social support and knowledge. Emotion-oriented coping strategies contained spirituality and avoiding behavior. In conclusion, this literature review showed that it is important for the general nurse to understand the situation persons living with HIV are going through and provide support. This support should be individually accommodated, but could for example consist of education, social support, satisfying spiritual needs and encouraging lifestyle changes.