Information Behaviour in the Context of HIV/AIDs Related Emotions

Abstract

This study presents the results of an ethnographic (field work) research which
set out to generate in-depth knowledge information behaviour in the context of HIV/AIDS-related emotions. A sample of 40 participants affected by HIV/AIDS was selected in the United Kingdom. It included a range of age groups, disease stages, and sexual orientations, educational and ethnic backgrounds. Twenty six were people infected with HIV; six were affected by HIV in other ways; and eight were involved in the provision of information and support. Respondents were recruited through support workers within an HIV/AIDS support group where the researcher worked as a part-time volunteer for 17 months. The researcher maintained visibility through regular participation in the HIV/AIDS support group activities such as making and serving tea/coffee and dinner, washing pots. Data were generated from March 2010 to May 2011 through informal open-ended in-depth interviews, each of which lasted between 90 and 180 minutes. Respondents were asked to recount specific experiences. Anonymity was achieved by attributing pseudonyms to interview quotations and the contents of some quotations to avoid possible identification of individuals. The interviews were audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. The data were managed using
qualitative data management software (NVivo 8™). The data generated were
analysed using Spradley’s Domain Analysis (Spradley, 1979b). The work has
identified new forms of information behaviour, including hysterical information seeking, covert information seeking, hiding, discarding information. Other patterns of information behaviours that emerged from the data included seeking and sharing information. Hence, the study suggests that information systems and services on HIV/AIDS should be designed to better respond and serve the needs of people experiencing emotional turmoil.