Psychological and emotional impact of an HIV diagnosis

This is the first of two papers that reports the results of a research study into the psychological and emotional needs of people with HIV and how nurses might best offer support. This paper discusses the psychological impact of HIV diagnosis. Inductive analysis of indepth interviews with in-patients and their nurses generated five themes: reactions to critical events related to HIV infection; changes in body image and chronic ill health; fear and rejection; cognitive and minor dysfunction associated with HIV; and absent friends.