Exploring Resilience Among Black Women Living With HIV in the Southern United States: Findings From a Qualitative Study. (26th March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Koch, Amie; Ritchwood, Tiarney D.; Bailey, Donald E.; Caiola, Courtney Ellis; Adimora, Adaora A.; Ramirez, Catalina; Holt, Lauren; Johnson, Ragan; McGee, Kara; McMillian-Bohler, Jacquelyn M.; Randolph, Schenita D.; Relf, Michael V.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care. Volume 33:Number 2(2022)
• Page Start: 224
• Page End: 234
• Publication Date: 2022-03-26
• Subjects: Black -- coping -- HIV -- qualitative -- resilience -- social support -- women living with HIV; AIDS (Disease) -- Nursing -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Periodicals; HIV infections -- Nursing -- Periodicals; HIV infections -- Treatment -- Periodicals; HIV infections -- Periodicals; 616.97920231
• DOI: 10.1097/JNC.0000000000000311
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1055-3290

Abstract

Abstract: Black women living with HIV (WLWH) face individual and sociostructural challenges. Despite these challenges, many exemplify remarkable levels of resilience and coping. Yet, research on resilience and coping in this population is limited. Twenty Black WLWH in the Southern United States completed semi-structured interviews that explored challenges facing WLWH. We identified six themes related to resilience and coping: self-acceptance, disclosure, self-compassion, social support, will to live, and service. Of these, social support was a driving protective element and an essential component to building and sustaining resilience and coping. Women who experienced positive support often expressed a will to live as well as a desire to support other WLWH. Resilience and social support were characterized by patterns of reciprocity, in that they were mutually sustaining, stabilizing, and strengthening.