Struggling to Survive: The Difficult Reality of Aboriginal Women Living With HIV/AIDS

Abstract

The increasingly high rates of mortality and morbidity among Canadian Aboriginal women who are living with HIV/ AIDS indicate that there is a need to address deficiencies in the delivery of supportive services and health care. The purpose of this qualitative study was to develop a greater understanding of the barriers, challenges, and successes experienced when accessing health and related support services from the perspective of Aboriginal women living with HIV/AIDS. The findings are organized around four themes reflected in the interview data: fear of rejection when seeking services, finding strength in adversity, struggles with symptoms, and HIV as just one of many competing problems. It is anticipated that the findings from the study will be used to inform decision making regarding the development and delivery of appropriate, responsive, and accessible policies and programs that will support Aboriginal women who are living with HIV/AIDS.