Quality of Life among Disclosed HIV Infected and AIDS Patients in Theparak and Dankuntod Districts, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

The qualitative research was aimed to describe the quality of life among disclosed HIV infected and AIDS patients. Samples were sixteen members of “Poen Dan Sampan” group. Data was obtained by in-depth interview. The mean age of samples was 38 years, most of them had elementary education, and half of them were widows. More than half realized their infection from hospital admission and reason to disclose their infection was the need of care from government sector. Almost all had chronic illness, weakness, worry and could not do hard work. Three-quarters mentioned of family acceptance. Regarding care, three-quarters sought care from governmental services using only modern medicines. After realized the status, three-quarters took better care of themselves while two-thirds were abstinence from sex. All of them isolated their personal belongings from the others, they were in a good care of their families when suffering from illness. After disclosed, nearly all of them got good acceptance and care by their family. Nearly half mentioned of social acceptance and capability of normal living in the society. Regarding current quality of life, two-thirds could live as normal people whereas one-thirds had troublesome living. Nearly half of them got support for education of their children and living pension. Two-thirds accepted their current quality of life. Understanding towards AIDS as well as living with AIDS should be promoted, advantages of disclosure on proper care should be provided, networking as well as activities among HIV infected persons should be encouraged, cooperation for care, helping, and solving of AIDS and its consequences should be strengthened.