Health promotion for women with human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

The purpose of this pilot study was twofold: first, to modify Stuifbergen's health promotion intervention initially developed for women with multiple sclerosis for use among women with human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and to evaluate the feasibility of the newly modified health promotion intervention named "Put Health Into Living" (PHIL). The pilot study was completed in two phases.

In phase I, data were derived from a literature review, a focus group of women with HIV/AIDS (n= 7), a panel of experts who reviewed the intervention for content, and three female community workers who evaluated the intervention for the context of living with HIV/AIDS, cultural relevancy, and literacy. During phase II, a pretest/posttest one-group design was used to determine the feasibility of the study methods, content, and format of the health promotion intervention among 10 women with HIV/AIDS.

The pilot study demonstrated the importance of a health promotion intervention for a vulnerable population. Participants verbalized the benefits of attending a health promotion program to gain knowledge and skills to promote their health. One woman said, "I have been positive for 20 years now and no one has talked to me just about my overall health." Participants indicated the PHIL intervention offered a supportive group environment, an overall health focus, and an acceptable format.

Health promotion is a desirable goal for persons living with a chronic disease, and the PHIL intervention has the potential to benefit persons living with HIV/AIDS if subsequent evidence is found in further testing of the intervention.