“Just Like A Person”: How Clinician Interactions Impact Healthcare Experiences of Women Living with HIV

Angela E.  Russo; Devika Singh; Jennifer Monroe Zakaras

doi:10.66815/ajqr/18479

Angela E. Russo ¹ ^* , Devika Singh ¹, Jennifer Monroe Zakaras ²

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AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 10, Issue 3, pp. 19-33

https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/18479

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Abstract

Between July 24 and August 23, 2023, researchers set out to better understand the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care needs of women living with HIV (WLHIV) in Vermont. In-depth interviews were conducted with women receiving HIV care through the University of Vermont Health Network to explore their experiences and identify ways to improve SRH care. Inductive and deductive methods were used to analyze the interview data. The participants ranged in age from 29 to 67, and 20% identified as African American or Black. A recurring theme in the interviews was the importance of the relationship between patients and their healthcare providers. Many women emphasized that how they were treated by their providers shaped their perceptions of care quality. They expressed a strong desire to be seen as whole individuals, not solely defined by their HIV status. A particularly challenging issue was the disclosure of HIV status to intimate partners, which many women found to be a significant source of stress. They voiced a need for more guidance and support from clinicians when navigating these deeply personal conversations. The study concluded that affirming and supportive interactions between healthcare providers and WLHIV are crucial for fostering positive experiences with SRH care. Based on these findings, it should be emphasized that HIV care providers play a vital role in addressing the SRH needs of WLHIV. To do this effectively, providers should receive training on HIV-specific SRH issues and learn strategies for facilitating safe and supportive discussions about HIV disclosure with intimate partners.

Keywords: HIV-related stigma, patient-centered care, rural health, women’s health

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Citation

Russo, A. E., Singh, D., & Monroe Zakaras, J. (2026). “Just Like A Person”: How Clinician Interactions Impact Healthcare Experiences of Women Living with HIV. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 10(3), 19-33. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/18479

Russo, A. E., Singh, D., and Monroe Zakaras, J. (2026). “Just Like A Person”: How Clinician Interactions Impact Healthcare Experiences of Women Living with HIV. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 10(3), pp. 19-33. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/18479

Russo AE, Singh D, Monroe Zakaras J. “Just Like A Person”: How Clinician Interactions Impact Healthcare Experiences of Women Living with HIV. AM J QUALITATIVE RES. 2026;10(3), 19-33. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/18479

Russo, Angela E., Devika Singh, and Jennifer Monroe Zakaras. "“Just Like A Person”: How Clinician Interactions Impact Healthcare Experiences of Women Living with HIV". American Journal of Qualitative Research 2026 10 no. 3 (2026): 19-33. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/18479

Russo, Angela E. et al. "“Just Like A Person”: How Clinician Interactions Impact Healthcare Experiences of Women Living with HIV". American Journal of Qualitative Research, vol. 10, no. 3, 2026, pp. 19-33. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/18479

Russo AE, Singh D, Monroe Zakaras J. “Just Like A Person”: How Clinician Interactions Impact Healthcare Experiences of Women Living with HIV. AM J QUALITATIVE RES. 2026;10(3):19-33. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/18479