Life course approaches of women living with HIV in Matabeleland South Rural, Zimbabwe

BackgroundWomen in Africa experience a disproportionate burden of HIV, with their life trajectories shaped by its health and social impacts. The variation is based on present psychosocial barriers and the stigma and discrimination they experience. These differences determine their life course approaches, shaping their health outcomes, mental health service engagement, and overall well-being.ObjectiveThis qualitative study aimed to explore and describe the life space and life-span issues for women living with HIV to establish the policies that may support and explain women's health-related quality of life.DesignAn interpretative phenomenological design was followed in order to gain an in-depth understanding of the life courses of women living with HIV.MethodsData were collected between December 2023 and May 2024. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in rural Matabeleland South Province with twenty (20) purposively sampled women living with HIV (aged 20-65) to explore their experiences and how HIV determines their life approaches. The Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis framework was employed for data analysis.ResultsThe findings indicated that women experience (i) Loss of control and planning, (ii) Deterioration in the quality of relationships, and (iii) limited access to education, training, and work. The younger women are the ones who are severely affected, as their daily activities and social roles tend to be disrupted while living in a state of social and economic insecurity. The only support received is from the peers who are also living with HIV in the form of a support group.ConclusionFindings indicate the need for continuous psychosocial and financial support of young women living with HIV. Moreover, there should be a renewed emphasis on adherence to policies that promote non-discrimination.