The presence of absence
Bereavement in long-term survivors of multiple AIDS-related losses
Keywords:
AIDS, HIV, bereavement, loss, communityAbstract
AbstractAIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), has emerged as an enduring and complex medical and social reality. Some communities have experienced tremendous loss of life from this virus. This article examines the bereavement experiences of HIV-infected and HIV-affected people within an AIDS-impacted community in the province of Ontario, Canada. Mourners face the stigma associated with the illness itself and the marginalisation experienced by the communities most affected by HIV. Six dimensions are considered to characterise the experiences of those bereaved by multiple AIDS-related losses. Creative strategies of resiliency and coping are also identified. The study points to a community-based approach as key to addressing AIDS-related loss of this magnitude.
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