Abstract:
The objective of this research was to study the experiences and perceived meaning in life of persons living with HIV/AIDS. Participants were selected by the predetermined criteria which consisted of 8 persons living with HIV/AIDS. Data were collected by an in-depth interview and were analyzed by the consensual qualitative research method. The major findings included (1) Learned to successfully encounter with fear and insecurity: At first, participants fear and felt loneliness after they found that they had HIV/AIDS, then with their belief they will gradually accepted the truth of having HIV/AIDS and seeked for help and support; (2) Unconditional love from others leaded to a sense of love and caring oneself: Love and acceptance from their significant person, and appropriate health care and mental support made them realized the importance of their lives and continued medical treatment; (3) Inspiration and faith leaded to purposeful and meaningful life: Learned from other successed persons living with HIV/AIDS and other important figures made them live their remaining life purposefully; (4) Positive changes and meaningful actions leaded to personal growth, new life, and hope: Participants began to improve their life style concerning their physical and mental health and began to do something for others; (5) Been friend and discover values and meaning in life as a person living with HIV/AIDS: The experience of living with HIV/AIDS make them realize the meaning of their lives and positive aspect of having HIV/AIDS. The findings of this study shed some lights on experiences and meaning in life of persons living with HIV/AIDS. The findings will also be used as guidelines for developing an appropriate counseling program to increase the meaning and quality of life of persons living with HIV/AIDS.