Author(s):
Sahana Premkumar, J. Agnes Philo, Pramela Thangaswamy, T. Angel Priya, Benjamin Dhaya
Email(s):
salvationarmycon@gmail.com
DOI:
10.52711/ijnmr.2026.13 
Address:
Sahana Premkumar1, J. Agnes Philo2, Pramela Thangaswamy3, T. Angel Priya4, Benjamin Dhaya5
1Grade 12, Hightstown High School, NJ, United States of America.
2Assistant Professor, The Salvation Army Catherine Booth College of Nursing, India.
3Counsellor IHI - Phase 2, The Salvation Army Community Health and Development Programme, India.
4Principal, The Salvation Army Catherine Booth College of Nursing, India.
5Director, The Salvation Army Catherine Booth Hospital and The Salvation Army Community Health and Development Programme, India.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 5,
Issue - 2,
Year - 2026
ABSTRACT:
Purpose: HIV/AIDS poses significant public health challenges, particularly among widows who often battle compounded socioeconomic and emotional hardships. In India, widows living with HIV/AIDS experience challenges such as stigma, limited healthcare, and reduced social support, impacting their quality of life (QoL). This study examines HIV/AIDS affected widows in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu, India, investigating how demographic factors, antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, and support systems affect QoL. Methods: Employing a descriptive cross-sectional design, the research involved a sample of 100 widows. Data were collected through an interview format using the WHOQOL-HIV BREF and the American Stroke Association's Medication Adherence scale. Additional culturally-adapted questionnaires were incorporated to investigate the role of social networks. Results: Results showed 47% reported good adherence, 40% with moderate adherence, and 13% exhibited poor adherence. In the QoL domains assessed, the Environment received the highest scores, followed by the Physical, Psychological, and Level of Independence domains. The Spirituality and Social Relations domains were rated lower, indicating ongoing challenges related to acceptance within communities. Qualitative analysis highlighted the importance of community outreach, support from non-governmental organizations, and family, all of which are crucial to adherence levels and emotional resilience. Conclusion: These findings emphasize the need for positive social networks in HIV-affected regions. Future research should focus on the QoL of children of HIV-affected widows to understand intergenerational effects. The results show that culturally-sensitive interventions are essential to improve the QoL of HIV-positive widows in India.
Cite this article:
Sahana Premkumar, J. Agnes Philo, Pramela Thangaswamy, T. Angel Priya, Benjamin Dhaya. A and V Pub International Journal of Nursing and Medical Research. 2026; 5(2):5-2. doi: 10.52711/ijnmr.2026.13
Cite(Electronic):
Sahana Premkumar, J. Agnes Philo, Pramela Thangaswamy, T. Angel Priya, Benjamin Dhaya. A and V Pub International Journal of Nursing and Medical Research. 2026; 5(2):5-2. doi: 10.52711/ijnmr.2026.13 Available on: https://ijnmronline.com/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-5-2-1
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