Discrimination and stigma – an interview study with nurses concerning persons living with HIV/AIDS in Nairobi

Background: There are approximately 1.5 million people living with HIV in Kenya. The prevalence is at a lower level than at the peak of the epidemic because of free antiretroviral treatment, education and new methods to HIV testing. The nurses’ work situation is difficult trying to reach persons living with HIV in a society where stigma is common and therefore we were curious to learn more about nurses’ personal experiences, to get a wider understanding of the situation.  Aim: The aim was to describe nurses’ perspective of the complexity of caring for persons with HIV/AIDS in Nairobi, Kenya. Method: The chosen design was a descriptive qualitative study consisting of semi-structured interviews with eight nurses in Nairobi, Kenya.The material was analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Two main categories were identified in this study: Nurses’ strategies and approach to initiate care and Challenges in caring for people with HIV/AIDS. Four sub-categories were then formed out of the main categories: Approaching and building relationships with people that live with HIV/AIDS, strategies for reaching out to people that live with HIV/AIDS, structural barriers among people living with HIV/AIDS and practical obstacles within the healthcare system. Discussion: The discussion addresses difficulties among nurses when it comes to persuading persons living with HIV/AIDS to receive treatment. The nursing role consists of caring for the patient, counseling and giving hope. Nurses are being affected emotionally when approaching persons living with HIV/AIDS since factors like stigma and fear of abandonment stand in the way for reaching out and giving treatment. Lack of resources in healthcare is another factor that causes frustration among nurses.