Exploring the Problems and Challenges of HIV-Infected Women: A Qualitative Study

Objective: Although HIV-infected women in Iran face many problems, research in this area is limited. This research aims to understand and deeply comprehend the issues and challenges HIV-infected women encounter. Method: Qualitative research method and content analysis were applied in this study. The participants of the research were HIV-infected women referred to three Supportive Health Centers in Tehran. Among them, 17 participants were selected through the convenience sampling method. The data collection technique was a semi-structured in-depth interview. The collected data were coded and interpreted using thematic analysis. Results: The results of the interview analysis revealed six categories of “social exclusion”, “job problems”, “social phobia caused by stigma”, “mental problems”, “treatment problems”, and “coping mechanisms”. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that HIV-infected women face many challenges in their individual and social life for social integration and reducing their problems; besides, individual empowerment, structural, and social interventions are also essential. The results of this study can be used in policy-making, the presentation of supportive programs, and social services for HIV-infected women and their families.