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“Riding It Out”: Living with Uncertainty of HIV-Related Fever at Home.
Suzanne S. Yarbrough and Lois Cole.
Southern Online Journal of Nursing Research, 2001, Issue 2, Vol. 2.
ABSTRACT
Study Background & Significance
Fever is a common symptom for persons living with HIVinfection (PLWH). Some of the detrimental effects of fever can be reduced if treated early and appropriately. In a recent study of home followup after a fever-related hospitalization, PLWH were not inclined to monitor and/or treat fevers
according to the study protocol. In an effort to clarify possible factors from the patient’s perspective, the investigator analyzed extensive
notes from patient telephone conversations to explore the meanings associated with fever for PLWH managing their illness at home.
Methods
A qualitative content analysis
methodology was used to analyze written
transcriptions of telephone conversations that occurred over a 24- month period.
Findings
Participants described three types of fevers that were rated according to a level of perceived threat. “Typical” fevers, associated with minimal
perceived threat, were attributed to “normal,” non-HIV related causes, and were monitored by assessing symptoms. “Worrisome” fevers were associated with greater threat and were attributed to HIV causes. PLWH took action against a worrisome fever in an attempt to “ride
it out.” “Danger zone” fevers were perceived as scary or terrifying because they indicate, “your body is not responding,” and could result in
death, “brain damage,” or pain. They meant that PLWH were “sick.” Being sick was associated with diminishing options and capacity to carry out the work of living.
Conclusions
PLWH worked hard to monitor and manage fevers at home if they perceived them as harmful. Less severe fevers represent an uncertainty that is more comfortable to live with than being sick; therefore monitoring and management strategies used by PLWH were quite different from the strategies used by nurses.
Key words
HIV/AIDS, Self Care, Fever,Uncertainty; Qualitative Research,Illness work, Chronic illness, Trajectory.
