Love, Sexual Intimacy, and Relationship Satisfaction Among Persons Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

摘要

Living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) involves not only medical concerns but also complex emotional, interpersonal, and social experiences that may influence romantic relationships. This study examined how persons living with HIV experience love, sexual intimacy, and relationship satisfaction and used the findings as the basis for a psychoeducational relationship-support intervention. A qualitative multiple-case design was employed with four purposively selected gay and bisexual men living with HIV in the Philippines who were in established romantic relationships. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis with within-case and cross-case comparison. Three cross-case themes emerged: Reclaiming Authentic Connection Through Acceptance, Trust, and Resilience; Rebuilding Intimate Connection Through Mutual Trust, Open Communication, and Shared Responsibility; and Sustaining Enduring Partnerships Through Commitment, Mutual Support, and Shared Purpose. Participants initially described self-stigma, fear of rejection, disclosure concerns, transmission-related anxiety, and uncertainty about relationship stability. Over time, self-acceptance, partner acceptance, honest communication, treatment adherence, shared responsibility, and mutual support contributed to greater relational security and satisfaction. Relationship satisfaction was understood not as the absence of difficulties but as confidence in the partners' ability to manage challenges together while maintaining commitment and shared future goals. The findings support integrating relationship-centered psychosocial care, communication support, responsible intimacy, and stigma reduction into HIV services.