Who comes for HIV counselling?

The objective was to study the characteristics of clients who requested their HIV results in a rural Ugandan community. In 1990 a counselling service was introduced to a rural area of SW Uganda with a population of approximately 10;000 people as part of epidemiological project to study the dynamics of HIV-1 infection. The characteristics of those requesting their sero-status are compared with the general population. The results showed that the proportion of adult population requesting results from the 15 study villages averaged 7(range 2to 14). Of adults requesting results; 17tested HIV positive compared to 8in the general population. During the first three years; there was little change in the number requesting their serostatus (average of 91 per year). However this increased to 119 in 1994. The proportion of clients aged 13 - 24 years increased from 32in 1990 to 54in 1994. The total numbers of males and females were equal; but among the 13 - 24 yr age-group; 65were females. The proportion of adult population requesting their HIV-1 test results is small; although it has increased recently due to expansion of the counselling services. Young adults; particularly females; and HIV-1 seropositives are most likely to ask for their results

Community-based counselling service as a potential outlet for condom distribution

The objective was to assess the potential of a community-based counselling service as a means of increasing condom distribution. A counselling office was opened in a rural area of South West Uganda in 1989 to serve a sub-county with an adult population of approximately 15;000. In April 1993 the service was extended to four other offices and free condom distribution introduced on request. Records have been kept of the number of persons requesting condoms and the number of condoms distributed since October 1993. These records were reviewed. Results showed that total client attendances increased from about 80 a month in the first quarter of 1993 (before reorganisation) to over 400 in the same quarter two year later. Condom requests increased from about 30 a month in the first quarter of 1994 to approximately 80 in the same period of 1995. Number of condoms distributed increased from about 2;000 to nearly 7;000 a month. Those asking for condoms often claim to do so on behalf of their friends. There seems to be a reasonable demand for condoms in the community. Condom distribution embedded in a counselling service based in the community appears to be well accepted and effective

Counselling a a Mechnism for Supporting Community Change to Combat AIDS

Objectives: The MRC/UVRI Programme in rural Uganda is epidemiological and also aims to improve the welfare of the community. To facilitate this aim counsellors have been employed to support the community as it changes to combat AIDS. Methods: Eight counsellors were trained by a professional counsellor. The counsellors were then placed the community with parish councils to provide a support service. This included being attached to schools; providing family and marriage guidance; pre - and post-test counselling and facilitating the involvement of HIV+ people as community chnage agents. Results: The counsellors have been accepted by the community and are being utilized. They are supporting community activities and their seir service is recognised and valued. Conclusion: Support for communities is vital if they are to combat AIDS. Providing a professional counselling service does facilitate this process

Building Community Capacity to Cope with Adversity: The Role of Traditional Support Networks

"Introduction: In parts of Uganda the Impact of the AIDS epidemic is overwelming. Traditional community support networks have; however; been weakened due to the past economic and political turmoil; aid agencies are increasingly involved in providing ""emergency aid"". Objective: To examine how best external aid can contribute to the building of a self-sustainable community developmental activities in approximately 50 villages using a community based approach. The role of the unit is limited to facilitating the developmental process by providing expertise and advice to communities on how to harness available resources for development. Methods: The MRPA community support and counseling unit was set up in 1990 and carries out health; counselling; educational and developmental activities in approximately 50 villages using a community based approach. The role of the unit is limited to facilitating the developmental processes by providing expertise and advice to communities on how to harness available resources for development. Results: In two years more than 30 village committees were established to provide support for community health work. Volunteer community health workers and birth attendants carry out community health activities. The number of active women's groups in the area increased from nil to 13. Particularly interesting is the recent self initiated revival of a ""Munno Mu Kabi"" group (litterary: yours in need); by a group of women from 7 villages. Members meet forthnightly to discuss the problems on needy familities in their villages; in particular those with AIDS patients. These families are visted and advice is given as well as material assistance. To date the group has helped 56 families. Conclusion: Our experience indicates that external support can result in community initiatives which are suggestive for the existance of a community developmental capacity; it is rather early; however; to know if this capacity is sustainable . The revival of a traditional system suggests the external agencies aiming at community capacity development should explore the use of traditional support structures."

Who comes for HIV counselling?

The objectives was to study the characteristics of clients who requested their HIV results in a rural Ugandan community. In 1990 a counselling service was introduced to a rural area of SW Uganda with a population of approxinmately 10;000 people as part of epidemiological project to study the dynamics of HIV-1 infection. The characteristics of those requesting their sero-status are compared with the general population. The results showed that the proportion of adult population requesting results from the 15 study villages averaged 7(range 2to 14). Of adults requesting results; 17tested HIV positive compared to 8in the general population. During the first three years; there was little change in the number requesting their serostatus (average of 91 per year). However this increased to 119 in 1994. The proportion of clients aged 13 - 24 years increased from 32in 1990 to 54in 1994. The total numbers of males and females were equal; but among the 13 - 24 yr age-group; 65were females. The proportion of adult population requesting their HIV-1 test results is small; although it has increaed recently due to expansion of the counselling services. Young adults; particularly females; and HIV-1 seropositives are most likely to ask for their results

Community-based counselling service as a potential outlet for condom distribution.(p. 342)

The objectives was to assess the potential of a community-based counselling service as a means of increasing condom distribution. A counselling office was opened in a rural area of South West Uganda in 1989 to serve a sub-county with an adult population of approximately 15;000. In April 1993 the service was extended to four other offices and free condom distribution introduced on request. Records have been kept of the number of persons requesting condoms and the number of condoms distributed since October 1993. These records were reviewed. Results showed that total client attendances increased from about 80 a month in the first quarter of 1993 (before reorganisation) to over 400 in the same quarter two year later. Condom requests increased from about 30 a month in the first quarter of 1994 to approximately 80 in the same period of 1995. Number of condoms distributed increased from about 2;000 to nearly 7;000 a month. Those asking for condoms often claim to do so on behalf of their friends. There seems to be a reasonable demand for condoms in the community. Condom distribution embedded in a counselling service based in the community appears to be well accepted and effective