Lived experience of women being diagnosed with human papiloma virus

Abstract

Introduction: From the medical point of view, women diagnosed with human papilloma virus (HPV) are noncompliant with treatment either because they are ignorant of the consequences for their health or because they simply do not want to comply. This view ignores the feelings and point of view of the patients about their health-illness process.

Methodology: This qualitative study used a phenomenological focus approach to describe the experience of women diagnosed with HPV. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 women diagnosed with this virus. The key informants were identified from the Clínica de Lesiones Tempranas (Early Lesions Clinic) list at Ometepec General Hospital, in Guerrero, and signed informed consents. Giorgi’s method was used for data analysis.

Results: The lived experiences of the women diagnosed with HPV are focused on physical death, and as reproductive women the social significance of their sexuality is centered on their function as wife-mother. The promiscuity of their partner is considered normal. Not using a condom is due to the need of being reproductive.

Conclusions: The sociocultural significance that the women have as procreators limits their use of condoms. Their social and cultural definition limits their right to know their body, to enjoy their sexuality, and their health. They are responsible for the family and for childcare.