A year after testing positive: Social adjustment, support groups, and treatment-seeking behavior of selected Filipinos living with HIV/AIDS

This study describes the living and working adjustments, changes in the treatment-seeking behavior of People Living with HIV/AIDS, and the different support groups that have facilitated these adjustments. Purposive sampling was employed to gather nine PLHA. The PLHA were contacted through the help of Pinoy Plus, Inc. where all Key Informants are members or are in the process of becoming members. Written consent was elicited prior to the interviews. Interview guides were used for the in-depth interviews. Interviews were tape recorded and transcribed. Case profiles were constructed from the interviews. Findings show that the general initial reactions of PLHA to diagnosis are of disbelief and denial. Disclosure also took different routes involving various significant others.Immediate needs of Key Informants varied according to their concerns and roles in the family. Various needs of PLHA included 1) counseling, 2) someone who can discuss in detail implications of a positive diagnosis, and 3) support groups targeting children of PLHA. Other PLHA reported the desire to be alone.More than half of the KIs reported no changes in living arrangements particularly in the use of household paraphernalia. However, some PLHA experienced changes in their relationship with significant others. Almost all the KIs, however stayed in the same residences.Only 3 of the KIs were employed when they discovered their serostatus. As a result of such diagnosis, 2 ceased employment while one adjusted his workload and schedule. Four of the 9 KIs discovered their serostatus upon undergoing HIV-test, a requirement for overseas employment. This instead prevented them from overseas work.Almost half of the PLHA reported changes in their dietary intake, financial expenditures, and arrangements with their dependents. Half of the KIs became more meticulous with their hygiene and more conscious of what they eat.There is also a change in the number of PLHA who sought treatment for illnesses. More KIs have indicated that they sought medical help for any illness. There is also a shorter span of waiting time before seeking medical help. PLHA have indicated the benefits of having support groups. Aside from the emotional support it provides, it becomes a vehicle for PLHA to advance their cause. Support groups also give them the legal face for funding proposals that help them with their livelihood. Support groups not only cater to the PLHA himself/herself, but also their dependents.