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.