Work in Progress: A Conceptual Framework for Understanding the Successful Vocational Experiences of People living with HIV in Canada
Date
2014-04-29
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Abstract
Income support and labour force participation are critical issues for people living with HIV in Canada (PHAs). The objectives of this study were to identify factors that support or deter labour force participation, and to develop a conceptual framework to describe the processes and structures that shape PHAs’ successful vocational experiences. Community-based research methods and a grounded theory framework were used to explore the perspectives of people living with HIV in Canada who have sustained successful participation in the labour force. Purposive and theoretical sampling was conducted in the provinces of Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 31 people living with HIV who were successfully engaged in the labour force for three months or more. Sampling was conducted concurrently with data analysis until saturation was achieved within key emergent thematic categories. The data were transcribed and analyzed using grounded theory coding methods and NVIVO computer software. Study findings identified six intersecting thematic categories that summarized participants’ experiences of working successfully. These have been conceptualized within a social ecological framework and include factors at the personal, work, community, and public policy level. These results contribute to an expanded contextual view of labour force participation for people living with HIV and highlight the importance of community and structural level factors including income support policy, access to medication, and vocational service provision. Results will be of interest to advocates, policy makers, and those working in community-based AIDS service organizations.
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Social Work
Citation
Oliver, B. W. (2014). Work in Progress: A Conceptual Framework for Understanding the Successful Vocational Experiences of People living with HIV in Canada (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/28722