Exploring the views and experiences of HIV positive patients treated for cancer: a systematic review of the literature
- 4 October 2017
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis Ltd in AIDS Care
- Vol. 30 (5), 535-543
- https://doi.org/10.1080/09540121.2017.1381332
Abstract
A systematic review of the literature was conducted to find out what is known about patients’ experiences of a dual diagnosis of HIV and cancer. We systematically searched the following databases; MEDLINE (Ovid Version); CINAHL Plus; PsycINFO and EMBASE from inception to June 2016 for studies that included patients with a dual diagnosis of cancer and HIV and focused on patient experiences. Studies with a focus on one illness rather than a dual diagnosis, those that focused on treatment strategies and medical management, epidemiology and pathology studies and comparison studies were all excluded. The full text of the included studies were reviewed. Information on location, sample size, study design and a narrative summary of findings were extracted using a standardised format. Studies were combined thematically. 1777 records were screened by title and abstract using the selection criteria described in the methods. Eight records were reviewed in depth in full text and seven selected as eligible. The selected studies suggest that a dual diagnosis of HIV and cancer has a powerful impact on individuals’ behaviour. The experience of stigma was a consistent factor in all patient accounts and the strategy of selective disclosure to access support reveals how patient agency can interplay with stigma. This is an area largely unexplored in the published literature; further research into patients’ experiences of a dual diagnosis of HIV and cancer will provide relevant knowledge in order to tailor and improve services.Keywords
This publication has 17 references indexed in Scilit:
- A systematic review of evidence on the links between patient experience and clinical safety and effectivenessBMJ Open, 2013
- At the Intersection of HIV/AIDS and CancerHealth Education & Behavior, 2012
- HIV and tuberculosis: The construction and management of double stigmaSocial Science & Medicine (1982), 2012
- An innovative joint approach to HIV and lymphoma careSexually Transmitted Infections, 2011
- Felt and enacted stigma among HIV/HCV-coinfected adults: the impact of stigma layering.Qualitative Health Research, 2011
- Quality of life, characteristics and survival of patients with HIV and lymphomaQuality of Life Research, 2010
- Experiences of Batswana women diagnosed with both HIV/AIDS and cervical cancerCurationis, 2009
- Patient Centered Experiences in Breast CancerMedical Care, 2007
- Social relationships, stigma and adherence to antiretroviral therapy for HIV/AIDSAIDS Care, 2006
- The relative importance of physician communication, participatory decision making, and patient understanding in diabetes self-managementJournal of General Internal Medicine, 2002