Spirituality and HIV disease: an integrated perspective

J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care. 2001 May-Jun;12(3):58-65. doi: 10.1016/s1055-3290(06)60144-1.

Abstract

Spirituality is an important resource that individuals use to cope with a chronic illness such as HIV disease. Spirituality has both a religious and an existential component that share the concepts of meaning in life, hope, self-transcendence, and rituals. An integrated perspective utilizing these shared concepts is proposed to assist HIV-positive individuals in coping with the challenges of their disease. Nursing interventions include promoting hope, teaching, sharing information, and creating a sense of empowerment in people with HIV to address spiritual issues. The article concludes with a case study that emphasizes application of the integrated perspective of spirituality with an HIV-positive person.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • HIV Infections / nursing*
  • HIV Infections / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Religion*
  • Social Support*