Phenomenological study of the lived experiences of people living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy in Ghana

Globally, antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed HIV into a manageable chronic condition including Ghana. However, people living with HIV (PLHIV) continue to experience psychological, social, physical, and treatment-related challenges. This study explored the lived experiences of people living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy at Ho Municipal Hospital, Ghana. A descriptive phenomenological qualitative design was employed. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to recruit 15 people living with HIV who were receiving ART at Ho Municipal Hospital. Data were collected through face-to-face in-depth interviews and analysed thematically following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework. ATLAS.ti version 7.5.7 supported data management and analysis. The analysis generated five overarching themes: (1) lived experiences of PLHIV on ART, (2) coping strategies for managing lifelong ART, (3) motivations for starting ART, (4) adherence experiences with ART, and (5) effects of ART on well-being and daily life. Participants learned of their HIV status through routine testing, antenatal care, or hospital admission. Initial reactions included shock, sadness, emotional numbness, and gradual acceptance. Participants experienced financial difficulties, medication side effects, stigma, and barriers to accessing treatment services. They coped by sleeping, watching movies, exercising, engaging in hobbies, and seeking support from family members and healthcare providers. ART initiation was influenced by medical advice, illness severity, and acceptance of HIV status. Although ART improved physical strength and psychological well-being, side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and loss of appetite disrupted some participants’ daily activities. Some participants preferred long-acting injectable ART to reduce the burden associated with daily oral medication. PLHIV receiving ART experienced emotional, physical, financial, and treatment-related challenges. Nevertheless, personal coping strategies, counselling, social support, and healthcare-provider support helped them manage these experiences. Strengthening psychosocial counselling, social support, access to treatment, and education on managing ART-related side effects may improve their treatment experiences and well-being.