Self-management interventions for people living with human immunodeficiency virus: a scoping review

Self-management is an important emerging intervention for people with human immunodeficiency virus (PHAs). The principles of self-management are consistent with the principles of client-centred occupational therapy.

This scoping review addressed three questions about self-management interventions for PHAs: (a) What knowledge, skills, and attitudes are taught? (b) What outcomes are intended? (c) What are the participation experiences of PHAs?

Questions were searched in six databases. Two researchers independently reviewed abstracts and articles before inclusion. Extracted data were iteratively themed.

Thirty-five articles were included. Interventions taught self-care, interpersonal skills, technical knowledge, cognitive skills, positive attitudes, planning for the future, and role management. Outcomes included well-being, health and illness management, and health services use. Participation experiences reflected social experiences, needs of PHAs, specific needs of women, participation, empowerment, intervention importance, and experiences with service delivery.

Self-management interventions are a promising approach for occupational therapists to enable PHAs' occupational performance goals.