Abstract summary 

This study describes the psychosocial distress experiences of HIV-positive women in Kenya. In-depth narrative interviews were conducted three times over six months between 2009 and 2010 with 54 HIV-positive women living in Kenya to explore how the women perceived psychological distress and the steps they took to find support to cope with their HIV-positive diagnosis. Thematic analysis revealed that the women described psychological distress as: physical and emotional shock, worry, and hopelessness and suicidality. The women reported receiving support to cope through spiritual connections, family and friends, others coping with HIV/AIDS, and health care agencies. This study heightens awareness of the critical value of understanding culturally relevant mental health evaluations in a limited mental health access context.

Authors & Co-authors:  Kako Wendorf Stevens Ngui Otto-Salaj

Study Outcome 

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