INTRODUCTION:
In this postmodern world, matching pace with the world’s growth and securing a place for oneself, our complicated life is burdened with the fear of new, sometimes anonymous diseases which are growing drastically, and it is a major concern for research. One such disease is AIDS. Women represent approximately half (51%) of all adults living with HIV worldwide. HIV is the leading cause of death among women of reproductive age. Gender inequalities, differential access to service, and sexual violence increase women’s vulnerability to HIV, and women, especially younger women, are biologically more susceptible to HIV.As a woman living with HIV, they will have many of the same health issues as HIV-positive men—but they are likely to face greater challenges related to caring for their family, finding access to medical care and treatment, and dealing with social stigma. In addition, they may face health issues related to gynecological care and family planning.
Hopelessness has been defined as a set of cognitive, schemata involving negative expectations concerning, oneself and one’s future. Thus it is essential that nurse is able to identify hopelessness as early as possible in PLHAs so that the necessary care and treatment can be provided where progressive muscle relaxation, massage therapy, and a glass of Almond Milk plays a vital role in reducing stress promotes positive living among PLHAs.
OBJECTIVES:
The objective of the study was to determine the effectiveness of selected Nursing Interventions on positive living among women-Infected with HIV.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
A quasi-experimental design was adopted and a multi-staged sampling technique was chosen for this study. After pretest using Becks Hopelessness Scale for Experimental Group 10 minutes of progressive muscle relaxation, followed by 5 minutes of back massage, Finally, 100 ml of almond milk were given to drink, twice a week for 12 weeks. For the control group, they were instructed to follow their regular medical treatment given at ART Centers. After 12 weeks starting the 13th week, to both Groups, Posttest level of positive living was done using same Beck Hopelessness scale. After completion of 6 months from pretest Height, Weight to calculate BMI, CD4 count also assessed (noted) from their ART record.
RESULTS AND DISCSSION:
The major findings of the research were in experimental group in pretest 150(75%) women were in a moderate level of hopelessness and 27(13.5%) of women had mild hopeless, 23 (11.5%) women had a severe level of hopelessness none of them had minimal hopelessness in regard to positive living. In control group 166 (83%) of women had a moderate level of hopelessness, 24 (12%) of women had a mild hopeless and 9 (4.5%) had a severe hopelessness but only one HIV-infected woman had a minimal level of hopelessness regard to positive living.
The comparison of pretest and posttest level of positive living between experimental Group and control Group, the Calculated unpaired ‘t’ test Value was =-21.73, p-value of 0.000 significant at p<0.01 level shown there was a significant difference between experimental group and control group. Thus the result revealed that there was a significant effect of Nursing Interventions on positive living in experimental group.
CONCLUSION:
This draws the conclusion for the study that Nursing intervention strategies such as progressive muscle relaxation, Back Massage and Nutrient supplement of Almond milk reduces the hopelessness among women infected with HIV and promotes them to approach life optimistically, stay healthier in life long and live productive life even though they were infected with Deadly Virus.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. promote the need for family-centered care because family plays a vital role in an individual’s life.
2. Community Health Nurse should promote self-esteem among women infected with HIV 3. Promote Sexual Assertiveness among them to prevent an increase in Viral Load.
4. Encourage Adherence to ART among HIV infected women. Empower them to approach life optimistically