Abstract
Batangueños with HIV during the pandemic. The Department of Health ranked Batangas as having the fourth-highest number of HIV cases, with 287 cases in Region IV-A in 2021, which was also situated during the pandemic and drove the researchers to conduct their study. The study’s sample had four (4) participants from various areas of Batangas. The researchers used a semi-structured
questionnaire and conducted an in-depth interview with each participant. The thematic analysis by Clarke and Braun (2006) was utilized for data analysis. The result of the study showed 6 main themes and these are consciousness in condition, outlook in life, typical emotions displayed, edication and treatment journey, adjustment and acceptance process, and self and community involvement. Moreover, an artwork folio was generated as an output of this study. It was concluded that PLHIV has reported experiencing stigma and discrimination due to their condition, which has led to a reluctance to disclose their status and impacted the amount of support they receive. The pandemic has worsened the situation, with some participants losing their jobs and having limited access to health services. However, some PLHIV has turned to HIV-related volunteer organizations to promote awareness and self-care practices to cope with their condition and situation. Furthermore, among the recommendations, research on the impact of volunteer organizations on PLHIV's self-coping strategies, which could help prolong their life expectancy and raise awareness, is highly encouraged.
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