ABSTRACT
Previous research about people living with HIV and AIDS has highlighted social support as an important determinant of health outcomes. The purpose of the study was to determine Tthe socio-economic impact of HIV and AIDS on infected individuals in the Capricorn District; Limpopo Province; South Africa. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample. Semi-structured in-depth interviews with a schedule guide were conducted until saturation of data was reached. Trustworthiness was ensured by using Lincoln and Guba's model criteria. Ethical standards for nurse researchers were adhered to. Ethical standards were adhered to; while Tesch's open coding qualitative data analysis method was used. Five themes emerged during data analysis. The findings revealed that there are different sources of income of HIV-positive people; living conditions of HIV-positive people which are not acceptable; consequences related to HIV and AIDS disease progression; the support and care to HIV-positive people and disclosure versus non-disclosure of HIV-positive status. Study recommendations emphasise the fact that there is a need for HIV and AIDS patients to receive continuous support from family; friends; and the community with the purpose of enabling them to cope emotionally; socially; and economically
Subject(s)
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome , Disease Progression , HIV Infections , Socioeconomic Factors , South AfricaABSTRACT
Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) still carry a stigma in the community. Many people do not know their status and they are still reluctant to be tested including pregnant women despite the fact that Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) is offered for free in South Africa. In South Africa VCT for HIV and AIDS is offered by lay counsellors in public hospitals and clinics. The study conducted by Mate; Bennet; Mphatswe; Barker and Rollins (2009:5483) outlined that in South Africa the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV guidelines have raised hope that the national goal of reducing perinatal HIV transmission rates to less than 5can be attained. A qualitative; exploratory; descriptive and contextual study was conducted in 15 public clinics of the Polokwane Municipality in the Capricorn District; Limpopo Province. The purpose of the study was to determine the experiences of the lay counsellors who provide VCT for the PMTCT of HIV and AIDS in the Capricorn District; Limpopo Province. Data were collected through one-to-one interviews using a semi-structured guide (De Vos et al; 2006:296). The findings of the study reflected the following: the content of training and counselling skills received by lay counsellors were satisfactory; there was lack of counsellor support and in-service education. A program for in-service education and support for all lay counsellors who have had VCT training should be conceptualised and implemented