Abstract

Dual voices of women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) show the experiences of  the HIV positive women who are ignored by the society at large. The study aims to showcase the voices of women living with HIV and AIDS at a micro-level to approach the disease in a more holistic way. Qualitative study was employed to explore and describe the experiences of women living with HIV and AIDS. The study area is a clinic in Gauteng Province of South Africa. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to select the study participants (n=12). In-depth, individual semi-structured interviews were conducted and thematic content approach was used for data analysis. Five themes were used to describe the women’s five experiences from being diagnosed with HIV: disclosing HIV positive status, signs and symptoms of HIV and AIDS, stigmatization, emotions and services being rendered. HIV and AIDS have negative effects on the women.  They are looking for ways to cope with the disease. Women should be given enough support and health care. This can be done by providing enough consultation rooms, adequate waiting time, pre-counseling before given antiretroviral treatment (ART), engagement of male partners and relatives and addressing peer support and confidentiality. 

Key words: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), experiences, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), women.