Psychosocial challenges faced by people living with hiv/aids at Victoria Hospital, Alice, Nkonkobe Municipality, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Sam, Ntombifikile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: HIV infections
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSW
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16210 , vital:40698
- Description: This study investigated the psychosocial challenges faced by people living with HIV/AIDS at Victoria Hospital, Alice, Nkonkobe municipality in the Eastern Cape. This study explored the views, attitudes and perceptions of people living with HIV/AIDS to understand the psychosocial challenges they underwent. The study aimed at achieving the following specific objectives: (i) To investigate the psychosocial challenges faced by people living with HIV and AIDS at the Victoria Hospital. (ii) To assess the impact of families and communities to people living with HIV/AIDS with respect to the lack of psychosocial support provided to people who are infected with HIV and AIDS at the Victoria Hospital in the Alice Area of the province of the Eastern Cape. (iii) To identify possible psychosocial support systems that could be provided by social service practitioners and by social networks for people living with HIV and AIDS and their families. The study used qualitative research approach where in-depth interviews and a focus group with key informants were used as methods of data collection. The study was premised on the systems theory to give a theoretical orientation into understanding the psychosocial challenges of people living with HIV/AIDS and possible support to be given to them. The sample size was made up of 10 patient participants; eight (8) ii females, two (2) males; and three (3) health practitioners. Non-probability sampling technique was used in the study. Specifically, purposive sampling was used to select the participants because the researcher believed that the participants had knowledge and experiences about HIV/AIDS. The data was analysed qualitatively through a content thematic analysis technique. The study found that there are many psychosocial challenges that are faced by people living with HIV/AIDS such as poverty, social support, rejection, depression and stigma and discrimination. The study recommends that the affected communities should have support groups for people living with HIV/AIDS to empower them and their families. The study also recommends the implementation of community engagements in the form of educating communities about HIV/AIDS and the importance of supporting people living with HIV/AIDS. More emphasis on the right to equality and the right for everyone to be treated with dignity and respect, as stated by Chapter 2 of the Bill of Rights of the South African constitution is highly recommended. Based on the evidence provided through the findings, the researcher is optimistic that all the challenges presented will be taken into consideration in future plans and policies.
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Evaluation of the role of support groups in the lives of HIV positive people at Nontyatyambo and Empilweni Gompo Community Health Centres in East London, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mkhencele, Nontando Precious
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons , Self-help groups -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11894 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001094 , HIV-positive persons , Self-help groups -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: South Africa has the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the world. The estimated 5,7 million South Africans that are living with HIV need comprehensive and holistic care. Psychosocial support is a vital aspect of care for HIV positive people. Support groups have been identified as a basic form of psychosocial support. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of support groups in the lives of HIV positive people in East London, Eastern Cape. A qualitative study design was implemented using focus group interviews to explore the role of HIV support groups. The research questions were designed to elicit responses pertaining to the needs, expectations and experiences of HIV positive support group attendees. Activities conducted in support groups as well as the attitude of support group members towards recruiting other HIV positive people to join the group were also explored. Findings revealed that the benefits of attending a support group included emotional and psychological support, sense of belonging to a “family”, assistance with disclosure issues, gaining information about HIV and treatment as well as material benefits such as food parcels and job opportunities. The greatest need of support group attendees was assistance in obtaining a Social Support or Disability Grant. A few negative experiences were reported which included: unfulfilled promises by people outside of the group, unfair allocation of grants and food parcels, as well as negative group dynamics at times. Support group members agreed that even though there were few negative experiences, the benefits clearly outweighed the negative experiences. Most participants agreed that they would recommend the support group to other HIV positive people so that they could also enjoy the stated benefits. In summary, the study concluded that support groups are very helpful in the lives of HIV positive people.
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