Health Decision Making Related to People Living with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

Many authors maintain that medical, social, political, psychological, and spiritual life changes present the need of decisions concerning health issues, which affect all areas of life in those living with HIV/AIDS and it can convert in a decisional conflict. The objective is to know the decisions in health and the decisional conflicts that present people who living with HIV with the purpose to plan strategies to support them in making the best decision that Will render the best outcome for their health as well as meet their real needs. Descriptive, transversal study carried out with 63 people living with HIV/AIDS who were treated in Cliníca Familia. 87.1% of those living with HIV/ AIDS made a health-related decision. Firstly, they were confronted with the dilemma of whether or not to choose tritherapy, secondly, they were conflicted with what decisions to make to meet their health needs and the third finding consisted of whether or not inform their friends and family about their diagnosis. 41% of the participants presented decisional conflicts and mentioned that they experienced difficulty in making decisions due to a lack of information and the perception of a lack of social support in dealing with situations in their lives. In addition, the participants were concerned about the outcomes and are not sure about the advantages and disadvantages of the different options. In conclusion, interventions must be tailored to meet the educational needs and provide continuous counseling in decision-making regarding health maintenance to assist those living with HIV/AIDS. The participants requested continuous counseling when needed; additionally, they demonstrated the need to form peer groups for continuous support.