Marseille 2007
Marseille 2007
Abstract book
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Abstract #92  -  Support Group needs for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Zulu speaking communities around Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Session:
  26.21: Posters B (Poster) on Tuesday   in  Chaired by
Authors:
  Presenting Author:   Mr Shandir Ramlagan - Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa
 
  Additional Authors:  Prof Karl Peltzer, Prof Refilwe Phaswana-Mafuya, Mr Peter  Netshipale, Dr Jean-Francois Aguilera,  
Aim:
Over five million South Africans, majority being black African, were estimated to be infected with HIV in 2005. In KwaZulu-Natal, HIV prevalence of those 2 years and older was estimated at 16.5%. Anecdotal evidence suggest that support groups for those infected with HIV/AIDS require much more than a traditional support group which meet only to discuss issues, needs and share experiences in a group environment. This qualitative study, with a quantitative component, was conducted with the aim of exploring, describing and understanding the needs of Zulu speaking, HIV infected, support group clients.
 
Method / Issue:
The study population comprised of three randomly selected Department of Health funded non-profit organisations (NPOs), providing support groups for PLWHA in Ethekweni district, KwaZulu-Natal. A total of 34 support group members participated in four focus group sessions and then completed a questionnaire. The qualitative questions comprised of 4 sections including (1) Introduction and warm up, (2) The ideal support group, (3) Actual experience with the current support group, and (4) Working towards solutions. Qualitative data was analysed using grounded theory and with the help of a computer program called Atlas.ti. Quantitative data was analysed using a statistical program called SPSS version 14.0.
 
Results / Comments:
The mean age of respondents was 38.8 (SD=10.285), and 79.4% were female. All group members had a general understanding of support groups. Most members were experiencing high degree of stigma at home and needed a so-called safe space to escape to and discuss issues and needs with people experiencing similar problems. Respondents wanted (1) the support group to consist of a maximum of 10 PLWHA as currently each group consist of over 40 members, (2) to meet in the morning with the session lasting at minimum three hours and meeting at least twice a week, (3) skills such as bead work, wood work, sewing, and gardening so as members could produce items which could either be used themselves or sold with proceeds going back to the group (economic empowerment), and, (4) information on HIV and AIDS so as they could properly understand the virus themselves and help the community better understand it to reduce stigma (social responsibility).
 
Discussion:
The traditional approach to support group might not be sufficient in our experience in South Africa. This qualitative study revealed that although support group members wanted and required the traditional form of a support group, they were also expecting additional activities and services such as economical empowerment and learning opportunities on HIV/AIDS. We believe that addressing group members needs and expectation will contribute to better prevent the spread of HIV, improve living condition and management of the disease for PLWHA, and reduce stigma associated to HIV in the communities.
 
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