Spirituality/Religiosity: A Cultural and Psychological Resource among Sub-Saharan African Migrant Women with HIV/AIDS in Belgium.

Spirituality/Religiosity: A Cultural and Psychological Resource among Sub-Saharan African Migrant Women with HIV/AIDS in Belgium.

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Spirituality/religion serves important roles in coping, survival and maintaining overall wellbeing within African cultures and communities, especially when diagnosed with a chronic disease like HIV/AIDS that can have a profound effect on physical and mental health.However, spirituality/religion can be problematic to some patients and cause caregiving difficulties.The objective of this paper was to examine the role of spirituality/religion as a source of strength, resilience and wellbeing among sub-Saharan African (SSA) migrant women with HIV/AIDS.A qualitative study of SSA migrant women was conducted between April 2013 and December 2014.Participants were recruited through purposive sampling and snowball techniques from AIDS Reference Centres and Vitamin A AIDS workshops in Belgium, if they were 18 years and older, French or English speaking, and diagnosed HIV positive more than 3 months beforehand.

We conducted semi-structured interviews with patients and did observations during consultations and support groups attendances.Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.44 women were interviewed, of whom 42 were Christians and 2 Muslims.None reported religious/spiritual alienation, though at some point in time many had felt the need to question their relationship with God by asking "why me?" A majority reported being more spiritual/religious since being diagnosed HIV positive.Participants believed that prayer, meditation, regular church services and religious activities were the main spiritual/religious Bike Units - Cruiser resources for achieving connectedness with God.

They strongly believed in the power of God in their HIV/AIDS treatment and wellbeing.Spiritual/religious resources including prayer, meditation, church services, religious activities and believing in the power of God helped them cope with HIV/AIDS.These findings highlight the importance of spirituality in physical and mental health and wellbeing among SSA women with HIV/AIDS that should be taken into consideration in providing a caring and healthy environment.