A New Approach to Health Promotion of HIV couples referred to Mahshahr Behavioral Disease Counseling Center: A Qualitative Study

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) as a chronic disease has a profound effect on the quality of life of couples infected with the virus. The aim of the present study was to investigate the underlying factors that create romantic attachment in HIV-infected couples.

This study has been done with a qualitative type approach and using the method of contractual content analysis with inductive method. Participants included 14 HIV-positive couples who were included in the study by purposive sampling method and were subjected to face-to-face and semi-structured interviews. After data collection, all interviews were conducted and reviewed and classes were extracted. First, the semantic similarities were reviewed and the subclasses were identified, and then in the review, the related subcategories were placed in the same category.

In general, the main category in this study is the underlying factors of romantic attachment and subclasses included "love and like", "emotional security", "sacrifice", "social support", "reassurance and encouragement", "maintaining a positive relationship" "caring for the spouse" and "appreciating the spouse".

The existence of romantic attachment in HIV-infected couples paved the way for romantic, supportive and caring behaviors and a safe and fruitful relationship. The quality of life in HIV-infected couples has improved despite these factors, which in turn helps to improve their physical and mental well-being.