The fatigue experience: persons with HIV infection

Area of Science:

• Medical Research
• Nursing Practice
• Qualitative Health Research

Background:

• Fatigue is a prevalent symptom in individuals with HIV infection.
• It significantly impairs daily activities and reduces quality of life.
• The subjective experience of HIV-associated fatigue remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the subjective experience of fatigue in persons with HIV.
• To describe how individuals manage HIV-associated fatigue in their daily lives.

Main Methods:

• A hermeneutic phenomenological study design was employed.
• In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 adult patients from an outpatient HIV/AIDS clinic.
• Thematic analysis was used to identify key concerns.

Main Results:

• Three primary concerns emerged: 'Fatigue as a signal of AIDS,' 'The mind, the body, the social experience of fatigue,' and 'Choosing ways to live with fatigue and addiction.'
• Participants described fatigue as a multifaceted experience influencing their overall well-being.
• Management strategies involved active choices to cope with fatigue.

Conclusions:

• Findings offer critical insights into the lived experience of fatigue for patients with HIV.
• Nurses should proactively explore the meaning of fatigue with their patients.
• Addressing the subjective aspects of fatigue is essential for improving patient care and quality of life.