Understanding the Experiences of Nurses Providing HIV Care in Rural Uganda

• Author / Creator

  McRae, Harmony R

• The era of HIV in Uganda has impacted every sector of society, especially the health system. Nurses are commonly the only health professionals available at rural health facilities, working with heavy workloads in difficult circumstances. This study examined how rural nurses cared for people living with HIV and AIDS, explored challenges to care, experiences of stress and coping strategies. Using a focused ethnography, the study took place from September 2010 to February 2011 and included 5 focus groups and 14 interviews with nurses in Kabarole District, Uganda. Structural challenges included staffing and drug shortages and social challenges included stigma, poverty and gender inequality, which prevented nursing care for patients with HIV and AIDS. Nurses felt demoralized and helpless, and relied on teamwork and faith to cope with their workload. Suggestions for policy interventions include improved staffing, using a mix of incentives and increased policy involvement to improve the nursing situation.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Rural nursing
  • HIV nursing
  • Uganda

• Graduation date

  Fall 2014

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R37H1DT47

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.