Living positive with HIV: Rituals, traditions, and life in community among Puerto Rican men in Boston

The presentation will discuss the main findings from a qualitative research examining the impact of an HIV diagnosis in the lives of Puerto-Rican men. While an HIV diagnosis is characteristically associated with negativity, this study investigated the extent to which the collective experience of these men resulted in healthy psychological responses and positive social adjustment. The study's findings are based on the experiences of 50 Puerto Rican men living with HIV in Boston. The analysis found that receiving an HIV diagnosis was a major determinant transforming the social lives of these men. The men internalize the HIV identification and perform it socially in processes that redefine what means to be “HIV-positive” with positive notions, challenging HIV stereotypes and stigma. Specifically, these men describe a unique life in community with peers resulting from the shared experience of living with HIV. The study describes the sense of solidarity and responsibility among these men as well as the rituals and traditions that make up this unique community and set guidelines to minimize health risks and improve their wellbeing. Thus, this community is essential to sustaining positive behaviors and healthy lifestyles among these men to living with HIV as a chronic illness. This knowledge is expected to contribute to improving existing services and develop new ways to support people diagnosed with HIV.