Dualities of Living With HIV/HCV Co-Infection: Patients' Perspectives From Those who are Ineligible for or Nonresponsive to Treatment

In Europe, an estimated 33% of HIV-infected individuals are co-infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The aim of this study was to develop an understanding of the experiences of patients ineligible for or not responding to treatment. Patients attending an HIV/HCV clinic were interviewed. A qualitative design using hermeneutic interpretive phenomenology was employed. Transcripts, field notes, and a reflexive journal were analyzed to extract themes and identify commonalities, differences, and hidden meanings. In line with the duality of co-infection, duality was observed in responses. Participants described defining negative moments in their lives that resulted in developing positive health care strategies. Another dichotomy was one of loneliness and of social relationships. Finally, participants described a revival phenomenon, moving from feelings of death to looking forward to unexpected futures. Those working with co-infected patients need to be aware of how duality impacts people who are ineligible for or nonresponsive to treatment.