Perceptions of Advance Care Planning Needs of Persons Living With HIV in Appalachia: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.
Sadie Pauline HutsonFrankie L WestJoelle GironPublished in: The American journal of hospice & palliative care (2022)
Persons living with Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are living longer, healthier lives due to advancements in antiretroviral therapies and access to lifelong treatment. Yet, in rural Appalachia, access to adequate medical care is complicated by factors such as geography and lack of access to resources. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of advance care planning (ACP) needs of persons living with HIV (PLWH) in Appalachian Tennessee and Alabama. Using a qualitative-descriptive design, we analyzed patterns of responses to face-to-face, semi-structured interviews of 40 PLWH as part of a larger multi-site mixed method study. Data demonstrated high patient satisfaction with medical care and good relationships with providers. However, common themes arose surrounding stigma, inadequate finances, and dislike of the term "end-of-life." Findings from this study fill a gap in the extant science pertaining to the focus of ACP in the unique population of rural Appalachia.
Keyphrases
- human immunodeficiency virus
- antiretroviral therapy
- advance care planning
- hiv infected
- hiv aids
- hepatitis c virus
- healthcare
- hiv positive
- primary care
- public health
- hiv infected patients
- social support
- big data
- electronic health record
- men who have sex with men
- preterm birth
- depressive symptoms
- mental illness
- smoking cessation