Experiences of People Living with HIV Undergoing Antiretroviral in Adapting to the Physical Activity Lifestyles: A Scoping Review
Novianti Lailiah, Nurullia Hanum Hilfida, Anja Hesnia Kholis, Dessy Rindiyanti Harista, Muhamad Ridlo

Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Negeri Surabaya

Abstract

Background: Physical activity is essential for improving immune function, mental health, and quality of life among people living with HIV (PLHIV). However, those undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART) may face unique challenges in adapting to an active lifestyle due to medication side effects, stigma, and physical limitations. Understanding their lived experiences is important to guide tailored interventions.
Purpose: This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize existing literature on the experiences of PLHIV undergoing ART in adapting to physical activity lifestyles.
Methods: A scoping review was conducted using a comprehensive search across five databases (Ovid MEDLINE, EBSCO CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collections), covering the literature from January 2015 to August 2025. Two researchers screened, selected relevant, and performed data charting, independently. The Patterns, Advances, Gaps, Evidence for practice, and Research recommendations framework was implemented to collate, summarise, and report the finding, while the review^s report was formulated per the PRISMA-ScR guideline.
Results: A total of fifteen studies were included. Findings revealed four overarching themes: (1) Barriers such as fatigue, neuropathic pain, stigma, and lack of facilities- (2) Facilitators including social support, health professional encouragement, and perceived health benefits- (3) Adaptation Strategies such as engaging in low-intensity activities, integrating exercise into daily routines, and self-monitoring- and (4) Positive Outcomes including improved physical health, mental well-being, ART adherence, and enhanced quality of life.
Conclusions: PLHIV on ART experience multiple challenges in adopting physical activity but demonstrate resilience through various adaptation strategies. Health professionals, especially nurses, play a critical role in providing guidance and supportive interventions. Further research is needed to develop culturally relevant, sustainable physical activity programs tailored to this population.

Keywords: HIV, antiretroviral therapy, physical activity, experiences, adaptation

Topic: Nursing Care and Technology Development