This study on, ‘Facing HIV and AIDS: Understanding family support within a rural Kwazulu-Natal community’ aimed to explore how an HIV/AIDS diagnosis affects the family as a whole and to determine the role of the family as a primary support system. Although HIV and AIDS infects individuals, it also affects entire families. The researcher employed a qualitative research design to gain in-depth and rich data, and to hear the stories of all participants. The study is grounded in the systems theory and the risk and resilience theory framework. For purposes of clarity, much of the work was divided into the different levels of the systems theory. Risk and resilience aspects were identified in relation to the various themes. It was necessary to explore this topic, not only from the perspective of individuals living with HIV and AIDS, but also from the perspective of their family and community. Three sets of data were therefore utilised: interviews with individuals living with HIV and AIDS, interviews with family members of an individual living with HIV and AIDS, and a once-off focus group discussion to gain the perspective of community members. This helped to ensure sample and instrument triangulation. The type and amount of support that was offered affected the stigma experienced; and affected individual fears and goals, willingness to disclose and the utilisation of available services in the community. It was clear that receiving support reciprocally affected individuals, family and the community. The experience of not being supported resulted in aspects of risk – for example, being more vulnerable in the face of stigma and discrimination. The importance of family support was thus found to be vital in facing the HIV and AIDS journey with resilience. Recommendations are provided at micro, mezzo and macro levels. This study also hopes to assist service providers to provide the necessary services. / M.A. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2013.

The HIV/AIDS pandemic has had a seriously negative impact on the South African workplace, with industries experiencing the many adverse effects of the disease such as the problem of absenteeism. Other effects of HIV/AIDS at the workplace include loss of productivity and profitability, especially if the disease is not managed properly. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of HIV/AIDS within the private medical practice industry in Umlazi Township, in the Province of KwaZulu Natal. The research methodology used was quantitative. There are only 40 private medical practices in Umlazi Township. The entire population of private medical practices is included in the sample because of the manageable population size. No sampling method was therefore used. Close-ended questionnaires ware hand delivered to all the doctors in all the private medical practices in Umlazi. The questionnaires were collected once the doctor indicated that s/he completed it. The salient finding of this study were that HIV/AIDS induced absenteeism is a major challenge for private medical practitioners. A good HIV/AIDS policy is necessary for the medical doctors to effectively manage HIV/AIDS at their private medical practices. While the respondents acknowledged the effectiveness of an HIV/AIDS policy if implemented, they understood that it would be difficult to implement it. Because of its effect on business sustainability, HIV/AIDS can result in serious problems for private medical practices, including bankruptcy. The recommendations of the study are for private medical practices to implement their own HIV/AIDS policy – which must encompasses education, training and treatment of those that are infected and/or affected by HIV/AIDS. The study highly recommends and encourages staff to undergo VCT (Voluntary Counselling and Testing) so that the disease can be identified early – which makes management of it timely, and more effective. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.