Philippine E-Journals

A New Self Identity: The Lived Experiences of HIV Positive Advocates

Jobelle Santiago | Ellerica Mae Torre | Jarod Jan Ventura | Junique Ventura | Mika Rose Versoza | Roxanne Mae Yalong | Jhon Willie Ybañez | Bernadine Navalta

Discipline: Environmental and Public Health

 

Abstract:

Aim. This study described the experiences of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive advocates in Metro Manila. Method. The researchers utilized Husserl’s descriptive phenomenology and the methodological interpretation of Colaizzi. Purposive sampling was utilized to select twelve participants. In-depth interviews were used to generate data. Results. The participants developed a “New Self-Identity resulting from the experience. Three sub-themes emerged, namely: 1) Personal changes, 2) New roles and responsibilities, and 3) Acceptance. Recommendation. Future researchers should further scrutinize the phenomenon and examine the government's longstanding failure to adequately address the HIV epidemic and explore the experiences of the HIV positive activists who live in the provinces of the Philippines.