Abstract

MONTALVO PRIETO, Amparo  and  HERRERA LIAN, Arleth. AIDS: people suffering with the disease, Cartagena. av.enferm. [online]. 2015, vol.33, n.1, pp.85-93. ISSN 0121-4500.  https://doi.org/10.15446/av.enferm.v33n1.48117.

Statistics from World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 2,7 million new cases of HIV infection occurred in 2010; by the end of that year, it was estimated that 34 million people were living with HIV. During the illness, these people have suffered emotional distress and isolation, discrimination and social rejection. Objective: Identify the degree of suffering of people living with AIDS in two health institutions of Cartagena. Methods: Descriptive quantitative research with two instruments: Socio-demographic characterization and Suffering scale with 35 items, evaluating practical problems, patient condition, emotional problems, religious/spiritual concerns and family problems. Results: Average age was 39,2 years (52,41%), 54,81% of evaluated people were men; 39,26% of them were single and 28,15% cohabiting; 57,78% were from urban areas; only 13,33% have higher incomes than current legal minimum monthly wages; 25,19% worked with technical training; 77,78% belongs to a religious group; 41,5% said they have a maximum suffering, 28,9%, moderate suffering and 29,6%, low suffering. Conclusions: The study group showed fear of facts unknown, as well as the disease progression and death; sadness and anxiety about rejection or pointing. They considered their suffering as maximum and moderate, a condition that could impact on the evolution of disease.

Keywords : Stress; Psychological; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Anxiety; Patient Care.

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