Priority Topics for Health Education to Support HIV HIV Self‐Management in Limited‐Resource Settings

摘要

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify and prioritize the information that persons living with HIV ( PLWH ) in a limited‐resource setting need to effectively manage their health. Design and Methods A data sources triangulation method was used to compare data from three separate sources: (a) 107 interviews with Spanish‐speaking PLWH being seen at a healthcare clinic in the Dominican Republic ( DR ); (b) 40 interviews with Spanish‐speaking healthcare providers from the same clinic in the DR ; and (c) an integrative literature review of English‐ and Spanish‐language articles that assessed the health information needs of PLWH in Latin America and the Caribbean. We compared information needs across sources and developed a prioritized list of the topics important to provide PLWH in a clinical setting. Findings Triangulation identified the most important topics for HIV ‐related health education for PLWH as medication and adherence, followed by transmission, including risks and prevention strategies, mental health management, and knowledge of HIV in general. Conclusions The identification of evidence‐based health education priorities establishes a guide that healthcare providers may use to help PLWH effectively manage their health and creates a foundation from which further studies on improving clinical interactions may be generated. Clinical Relevance Using the priorities identified, nurses and other health educators can improve patient education, and consequently self‐management, by making evidence‐based choices about what information to provide to their patients.