Psychic and psychological experiences of AIDS patients: A phenomenological study

Abstract Introduction: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is one of the most fatal diseases of the present century. Due to its chronic and incurable nature as well as the malign thoughts and the label applied in the society, there would be psychologically dramatic impacts on the patient. The present study aimed to explicate the psychic-psychological experiences of such patients. Materials & Methods: The approach applied in this qualitative study was Phenomenological. The research community was of 13 AIDS patients who were selected by purpose-based sampling method up to reaching saturation point. The data were collected through in-depth and non-structured interviews. To analyze the data, Colaizzi approach was adopted. Results: Through the interpretation of the data, four major themes emerged: inconsolable grief, anxiety, fury and bleak future. Such themes were called psychic-psychological experiences of the AIDS patients. Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrated the AIDS patients were beset with various psychic-psychological problems. While treating such patients, it seems necessary to care for their psychic-psychological needs other than treating them physically. Therefore, it is undeniable to bring in psychological and religious specialists along with the treatment of the nursing-medical services. Moreover, an attempt in changing the public view toward these patients seems essential. Key words: Psychological experiences, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Qualitative research