Families' Perceptions on Immunodeficiency Virus HIV/AIDS Phenomenon and its Impact on Family Functioning of Puerto Rican Families with Children: A Grounded Approach

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to generate a detailed description of Puerto Rican families' perceptions of their experiences and processes of functioning when the HIV/AIDS phenomenon is present in the family unit. The sample consisted of six family units composed of 29 members who were followed for seven months. A grounded theory approach framed within the symbolic interactionism perspective was followed to answer the research questions and to generate a substantive theory of family functioning. Data were collected, coded, and analyzed concurrently using the method of comparative analysis.

The findings of the study revealed a substantive theory of family functioning which consisted of a dominant core process of protecting the family and the movement of families through five related phases: facing the diagnosis, reacting to the diagnosis, revealing the illness, living with concerns, and seeking balance.

Identification of this substantive theory of family functioning has clinical implications for nursing. The implications include (a) identification of a model that offers a new and broader perspective from which to view how Puerto Rican families with children are dealing with the HIV/AIDS phenomenon, (b) support of the development of approaches to assisting families in the management of feelings, concerns, and decision making, and (c) suggestion of the need to conduct further research regarding the functioning of families dealing with the HIV/AIDS phenomenon.