Experience of resilience among women living with HIV/AIDs in Katuna Town Council Kabale District

Abstract

The study was aimed at assessing experiences of resilience among women living with HIV/AIDS in Katuna Town Council Kabale District. The specific objectives were to examine individual experiences of women living with HIV/AIDS, examine the relationship between women and HIV/AIDS, identify external support offered to women with HIV, and find out different economic activities women living with HIV AIDS engage in Katuna Town Council Kabale District. Data was collected from a sample of 60 women living with HIV and 5 leaders using a well-structured survey questionnaire and interview guide. Data collected was analysed using SPSS and qualitative or content analysis was used to analyze interview responses. The study showed that majority if the women living with HIV are unemployed and stopped at secondary education. The study revealed that psychosocial support contributes to resilience over and above education, and employment status. Prevention and intervention strategies for women with HIV should promote more self-advocacy and policies should address the gender inequities and environments that give rise to unequal employment, educational, and income-generating opportunities for women, thereby increasing the possibility that women can be resilient. Future research is also needed to investigate the relationships among resilience, health behaviors, and health outcomes such as medication adherence and quality of life, and additional ways in which resilience can be better understood and enhanced.