'I Do Not See Myself as Part of Anything': Learning from the Subjective Narrative of Women Living with HIV in Spain-Clues to Rethinking Social Work Intervention

Abstract

This article explores, within the context of a Spanish Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) organisation, certain vital areas of the lives of ten women with HIV. The main objective of this study is to identify and gain in-depth knowledge regarding which aspects or experiences facilitate or hinder the lives of women living with HIV. Qualitative research was designed and developed collaboratively by social workers whose responsibilities involved carrying out support tasks within the organisation. By way of semi-structured and in-depth interviews, these social workers and researchers were able to acquire personal stories which gave them valuable insight into the lives of women living with AIDS. Further analysis revealed those subjective experiences which the women consider to be the most pertinent in terms of their interests and concerns. Specifically, this work takes into account conditions which the women identify as being particularly challenging, such as the functionality of health and social services, as well as the process of obtaining full citizenship. This information serves as a guide by which to improve those conditions that have previously prevented these women from sharing their stories and experiences in relation to living with HIV within the field of social work intervention.