Abstract
The purpose of this longitudinal, qualitative study is to understand self-caring in the context of the spectrum of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) disease. This article presents the personal perspective of one family affected by HIV disease. The findings are presented through discussing a pattern of self-caring, being outside in the health care system, where stigma was an influential factor. The methodology used to understand self-caring was the hermenuetic phenomenology of Heidegger. Interpretations of transcribed interviews make evident the mechanisms, interactions, and themes that limit patients and their families participating as full members of the health care team.

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