A qualitative exploration of flourishing among individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in South Africa

Abstract

This mini-dissertation presents the findings of a study that qualitatively explored flourishing among individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in South Africa. A purposive extreme case sampling method was used to obtain 15 participants (7 male, 8 female) who were identified as flourishing via a combination of their CD4 counts and reports from their supervising physicians. All participants were from communities near Heilbron in the Free State province of South Africa, and made use of Tokollo Hospital as their health care facility. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews. Most interviews took place at the participants' homes and a few took place at Tokollo district hospital over a three-month period from February 2017 to end of April 2017. Data were analysed by means of thematic content analysis. Eight main themes emerged from the data, which served to account for how individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in South Africa are flourishing despite their diagnosis. In particular, acceptance of their diagnosis; having a positive outlook on life; taking responsibility for their condition; drawing strength from faith and religious activities; having supportive social relationships; having a future orientation; motivating and encouraging others with the same illness; and music were identified as those factors that contribute to flourishing among the participants. Furthermore, participants commonly mentioned that by accepting their diagnosis, they were able to take responsibility for their lives and choose to adopt a positive and healthy lifestyle for themselves, which involved eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and adhering to their medication regimens. Furthermore, these participants pointed out that their faith and religious practices keeps them hopeful and also optimistic for a better future. Also, they indicated that they did not perceive their diagnosis as all negative, because it allows them to motivate and serve as example to others who are facing the same challenges in life and who are not coping with their diagnosis. Most participants also noted that getting support from primary relationships such as family and friends also gives them more reason to continue on a positive journey and not be influenced by negativity from stereotypes, stigma and discrimination often associated with the disease. The mini-dissertation is concluded with a chapter outlining the conclusions, limitation, implications and recommendations as well as obstacles encountered during the course of the study. With this intention, it is also the researcher's recommendation that more research be conducted to explore flourishing among a more diverse sample of HIV positive individuals. It is also recommended that the findings of the study be considered when developing interventions or providing training for HIV counsellors in order to assist patients that are languishing as a result of their diagnosis.