Socioeconomic problems of People Living With HIV/AIDS in Iran: a qualitative study

Background: HIV/AIDS is not just a disease or illness that can be controlled by the health and medical services; rather it is a phenomenon that has many social impacts and complications. Although Iran has got a lot of success in controlling HIV/AIDS and its management, in order to reach full success it requires more attention toward social needs and problems of these people. The main goal of this study was to identify Social problems and social need assessment of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Iran based on the views of groups of HIV/AIDS people, their families, key people and authorities and health care professionals and service providers in the country. Methods: this is a part of big qualitative study which was conducted in 2011. The data was collected via semi-structured and in-depth interviews and FGD with groups of PLWHA, family and relatives of PLWHA, HIV/AIDS service providers, experts and managers and key persons in Iran. The collected data was analyzed via content analysis method. Results: The main findings about the social problems of PLWHA that were expressed by most of the groups included: employment problems and the need for jobs and occupation, homelessness and the need for housing and shelter, financial problems and basic needs, lack of community support and the need for active and efficient communities, need for social support and pursuing legal problems affecting these people, the need for acceptance and support from the community, need for marriage, need to eliminate stigma and discrimination imposed by society. Conclusion: Without considering social problems of PLWHA it is not possible to control HIV/AIDS in society. It is recommended to resolve the social problems of PLWHA in addition to their health and medical needs. National AIDS programs must seriously consider social problems of PLWHA and design comprehensive plans to solve the problems

HIV, Socioeconomic, Iran