WAYS OF MAINTAINING HOPE IN HIV DISEASE

Utilizing Denzin's interpretative interactionism, this study was focused on the experiences of eight men and two women who were in Clinical Category C (AIDS) of HIV Disease. Interviews and analysis revealed their interpretations of the illness and the ways that they maintained hope while coping with end-stage HIV. There were four major ways that hope was maintained: by miracles, religion, involvement in work or vocations, and support of family and friends. These themes are discussed as they relate to the context of HIV within the structure of biomedicine. (C) 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.