Unmet Basic Needs among People Living with HIV AIDS Based on Virginia Henderson's Theory: A Traditional Literature Review

Abstract

Although advances in antiretroviral (ARV) treatment have improved life expectancy and quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), they still face various challenges in fulfilling their basic human needs. Virginia Henderson's nursing theory can be used as a framework to comprehensively understand the basic needs of PLWHA. This study aimed to holistically identify and analyze the basic needs of PLWHA, considering physiological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions. A traditional literature review was used in this study. The search method used in this research is electronic databases such as Google Scholar, ProQuest, and PubMed. The article search used keywords according to the research questions. This study's descriptive data analysis described the mapping tables' findings. People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) face significant challenges in meeting their fundamental needs, as outlined in Virginia Henderson’s Need Theory, which encompasses physiological, psychological, social, and spiritual components. Nutritional deficiencies, water and sanitation insecurity, poor sleep quality, stigma, economic instability, and limited social support all contribute to poor health outcomes and reduced quality of life. Nurses should conduct comprehensive assessments, nutritional support, psychosocial interventions, health education to enhance well-being, and advocacy and policy support. Addressing these needs requires a multidisciplinary approach integrating medical care, mental health support, social services, and spiritual care. By focusing on these components, nurses can empower PLWHA to achieve independence, improve their quality of life, and ultimately thrive despite the challenges posed by HIV/AIDS.