LIVING AND COPING WITH HIV-RELATED UNCERTAINTIES: A CRITICAL REALIST APPROACH

Abstract

Background: This research explores the lived experiences of individuals with HIV, focusing on uncertainty and coping through the lens of Critical Realism (CR). While uncertainty and coping have been studied in the HIV field, they have not been examined using a CR approach. Approach and methods: Seventeen participants were interviewed using a semi-structured approach. Field notes and analytic memos supported the data, which were transcribed verbatim and coded using NVivo 12 software. Data analysis followed three CR-consistent stages: identification of demi-regularities (stage 1), abduction or theoretical redescription (stage 2), and retroduction (stage 3). Findings: Four demi-regularities emerged in the first data analysis stage, reflecting the empirical and actual levels of CR reality: social networks, personal identity, understanding uncertainty and coping, and HIV infection-related demiregularity. These were analysed and conceptualised using pertinent theories, setting the stage for retroduction. Retroduction identified two dual generative mechanisms: self-acceptance or self-rejection and societal acceptance or societal rejection. Conclusions and implications: This research demonstrates how selfacceptance or self-rejection and societal acceptance or societal rejection influence uncertainty and coping in the context of HIV. From a CR perspective, social structures shape human agency. Health and social care practitioners, as part of these structures, play a crucial role in influencing uncertainty and coping. Encouraging individuals with HIV to embrace change can facilitate selfacceptance, thereby enhancing coping and reducing uncertainty.