This phenomenological study used content analysis of interview data to explore factors affecting maternal role attainment in a convenience sample of 39 low-income, Thai, HIV-positive mothers selected for their successful adaptation. All mothers reported feeling comfortable in their maternal roles and achieved greater than 80% of the total score on the Maternal Behavioral Questionnaire. In-depth interviews were conducted regarding the life experience of the mothers. The results revealed the mothers’ uses of internal and external resources to attain their maternal roles. Six factors were identified: (a) setting a purpose for life, that is, to raise the infant; (b) keeping secrets from others; (c) a feeling of normalization; (d) having good quality of support from others; (e) having hope for an HIV cure; and (f) receiving accessible, pleasant health services that protect anonymity regarding HIV status. The results suggest that nurses can promote maternal role attainment by supporting the mothers’ management style.
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