Date of Conferral

2019

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Public Health

Advisor

LORETTA R. CAIN

Abstract

Developing countries like Nigeria continue to have HIV epidemic challenge due to the scarcity of evidence-based information and lack of resources to boost HIV education. The study population, Owerri, is one of the states in Nigeria with a high incidence rate of HIV. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the experiences of people living with HIV/AIDS regarding the effects of nonadherence to HIV/AIDS drugs. The integrated theory of health behavior model provided the framework for the study. I collected, transcribed, and analyzed interview data to identify clusters and themes. Results showed that various factors influenced and (e.g., free drugs, fear, culture, medication side effects, discrimination, relationship/support system, poverty, belief, easy access) contributed to adherence behavior among respondents. People living with HIV/AIDS may be encouraged to adhere to drug treatments because of these research findings. This study contributed to a positive social change in that respondents were excited and open about sharing their fears, challenges, struggles and hope with the anticipation to influence others to be open about their HIV disease.

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