Search

Purpose. To assess the effectiveness of a group program aimed at improving well-being among individuals living with HIV/AIDS.Methods. A randomized controlled trial was used to evaluate a residential program designed to teach breathing, movement, and meditation techniques. Sixty-two participants were recruited from community HIV/AIDS organizations. Fifteen withdrawals from the study left 47 study participants. Standardized measures used were the Mental Health Index (MHI), the MOS-HIV Health Survey (MOS), and the Daily Stress Inventory (DSI), along with qualitative interviews.Results. A repeated-measures analysis of variance indicated positive changes in well-being on the MHI and the MOS, where the effect was primarily seen immediately following the program and disappeared at later data points. The DSI indicated an increase in experience and impact of stress over time for the intervention group postprogram. Alternatively, the qualitative interviews described positive changes in how participants were living their day-to-day lives.Conclusion. In order to capture the outcomes of this program properly, both qualitative and quantitative measures are needed.

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to describe the essential features of the transformative experience among people living with cancer who are seeking integrative care and to identify factors supporting this process. It is hoped that after establishing the nature and meaning of this change or shift, one will better understand what is most meaningful in terms of providing appropriate care and support to patients seeking integrative care. Study Design. An interpretational, qualitative approach guided sampling, data collection, and analysis with 11 individuals. A purposeful sample was drawn from selected integrative care facilities according to sociodemographics and type of cancer. Due to the complexity of this subject, second interviews were conducted with 5 participants to enhance the richness and validity of the data. Results. The experience of transformation is a dynamic 4-stage process in which participants learned about themselves and became more aware of who they are and how they relate to the world. Participants found that 4 dimensions of integrative medicine played a fundamental role in supporting this process. These dimensions include (1) having access to a range of appropriate therapies to support individual journeys, (2) care that focuses on one’s overall well-being, (3) control over cancer management, and (4) developing healing relationships with care providers. Conclusion. Although practitioners may not be able to create transformative experiences for patients, they may be able to establish and maintain conditions that support this process.

Objective:To examine the social psychological aspects of complementary therapy use in HIV/AIDS health care and to identify what happens in a person’s illness management process when incorporated into their care for HIV-related symptoms. Methods:Grounded theory research method guided sampling, data collection and analysis with 21 males at various AIDS service organizations. Findings:A grounded theory model Finding a Way to Livewas developed. Participants experienced a six-stage process whereby the HIV served as a precondition for a profound self-transformation; a commitment to and rediscovery of the meaning of life. Complementary therapies, referred to as ‘tools’ by the participants, were cited as an integral part of how people living with HIV found wellness within their illness. The type of therapy, meanings attached to them, intention for and frequency of use corresponded to where individuals were in the six-stage process. As participants began to experience personal growth, the nature of the therapies shifted from those being highly tangible and focusing on the physical self to those facilitating inner awareness, such as meditation. Conclusions:The process of integration was a complex, ongoing process wherein complementary therapies were an integral part of facilitating learning, self-discovery and ultimately, healing. Objectif:Étudier les aspects psychosociologiques du recours aux thérapies complémentaires dans le traitement du VIH/sida et définir les étapes du processus de prise en charge individuelle de la maladie lorsque ces thérapies sont intégrées dans le traitement des symptômes du VIH. Méthode:Une méthode de recherche à base empirique a guidé l’échantillonnage, la collecte et l’analyse des données de 21 clients masculins de divers organismes de services aux sidéens. Constatations:Nous avons élaboré un modèle théorique à base empirique (« Finding a Way to Live », ou « trouver moyen de vivre »). Les participants sont passés par six étapes où le VIH devait déclencher une autotransformation en profondeur, un engagement envers la vie et une redécouverte du sens de la vie. Selon les participants, les thérapies complémentaires, appelées « outils », font partie intégrante d’une recherche du mieux-être pour les personnes vivant avec le VIH. Le genre de thérapie, le sens qu’on y rattachait, l’intention visée et la fréquence d’utilisation variaient d’une étape à l’autre. À mesure que les participants commençaient à vivre une croissance personnelle, la nature des thérapies évoluait, passant des traitements physiques tangibles aux traitements favorisant la conscience de soi, comme la méditation. Conclusions:L’intégration s’est faite selon un processus complexe et continu où les thérapies complémentaires ont joué un rôle clé vers l’apprentissage, la découverte de soi et, en bout de ligne, la guérison.