The phenomenon of HIV discordance has been in existence for a long time along with HIV. However, very limited attention has been given to HIV discordance. This phenomenological study aimed at gaining a deeper understanding on the lived experiences of sero-discordant couples in Botswana. Reports show that discordance in Botswana is around 17%. The main objectives of this study were to identify HIV discordant couples living in Botswana and explore their knowledge and understanding of the situation, explore the psychological, social and sexual experiences of the HIV discordant couples and determine its impact in their lives, and examine the meaning they attach to such experiences and challenges they face as well as their coping strategies. A qualitative phenomenological approach using face to face in-depth interviews was used to explore and describe meanings and experience as lived by the HIV discordant couples. The study sample consisted of forty-six (N=46) (twenty-nine (n=29) females and seventeen (n=17) males) participants selected using purposive sampling from three cities in Botswana. The Inclusion criteria were that participants should be aged 21 years and above; with no known diagnosis of mental illness; having been in a discordant relationship for at least six months at the time of data collection; living in Botswana and willing to participate in the study. The findings were that there are three forms of discordance, which are: discordant unaware which are couples who went into the relation unaware of their HIV status. Discordant aware; those who got into the relationship already knowing each other’s HIV status and discordantly discordant which are those with differing HIV status and differing motives of going into the relationship. These are the couples that conceal their status from one another. The results revealed intense emotional/psychological, sexual and social stresses as experienced by couples. HIV discordant goes through three phases of initial shock, conflict and resolution. The researcher recommends the OPEN DESK MODEL to be integrated in the health facilities to encompass the concept of a family or couple and as a unit. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

This study explored factors associated with the reluctance of people living with HIV (PLWH) to disclose their (Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) statuses to their sexual partners at Galeshewe Day Hospital in Kimberley in the Northern Cape. The study was an in-depth interview based qualitative research; and purposive sampling technique was utilised to select 13 PLWH aged between 18 and 45. Among males, factors contributing to the reluctance of disclosure to sexual partners are ignorance, fear of rejection, not knowing where to start when disclosing and secrecy. Despite the complexity of disclosure, all participants understood the importance of disclosing to sexual partners as this will prevent new infections. There is a need for HIV prevention strategies to focus on males particularly, to strengthen disclosure counselling services provided to PLWH and to advocate strongly for partner testing / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

The phenomenon of HIV discordance has been in existence for a long time along with HIV. However, very limited attention has been given to HIV discordance. This phenomenological study aimed at gaining a deeper understanding on the lived experiences of sero-discordant couples in Botswana. Reports show that discordance in Botswana is around 17%. The main objectives of this study were to identify HIV discordant couples living in Botswana and explore their knowledge and understanding of the situation, explore the psychological, social and sexual experiences of the HIV discordant couples and determine its impact in their lives, and examine the meaning they attach to such experiences and challenges they face as well as their coping strategies. A qualitative phenomenological approach using face to face in-depth interviews was used to explore and describe meanings and experience as lived by the HIV discordant couples. The study sample consisted of forty-six (N=46) (twenty-nine (n=29) females and seventeen (n=17) males) participants selected using purposive sampling from three cities in Botswana. The Inclusion criteria were that participants should be aged 21 years and above; with no known diagnosis of mental illness; having been in a discordant relationship for at least six months at the time of data collection; living in Botswana and willing to participate in the study. The findings were that there are three forms of discordance, which are: discordant unaware which are couples who went into the relation unaware of their HIV status. Discordant aware; those who got into the relationship already knowing each other’s HIV status and discordantly discordant which are those with differing HIV status and differing motives of going into the relationship. These are the couples that conceal their status from one another. The results revealed intense emotional/psychological, sexual and social stresses as experienced by couples. HIV discordant goes through three phases of initial shock, conflict and resolution. The researcher recommends the OPEN DESK MODEL to be integrated in the health facilities to encompass the concept of a family or couple and as a unit. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

This study explored factors associated with the reluctance of people living with HIV (PLWH) to disclose their (Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) statuses to their sexual partners at Galeshewe Day Hospital in Kimberley in the Northern Cape. The study was an in-depth interview based qualitative research; and purposive sampling technique was utilised to select 13 PLWH aged between 18 and 45. Among males, factors contributing to the reluctance of disclosure to sexual partners are ignorance, fear of rejection, not knowing where to start when disclosing and secrecy. Despite the complexity of disclosure, all participants understood the importance of disclosing to sexual partners as this will prevent new infections. There is a need for HIV prevention strategies to focus on males particularly, to strengthen disclosure counselling services provided to PLWH and to advocate strongly for partner testing / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

This qualitative exploratory and descriptive study explored and described the experiences of HIV sero-discordant couples post diagnosis at the Perinatal HIV Research Unit in Soweto, Gauteng Province. Data was collected using in-depth interviews with each individual from seven HIV sero-discordant couples. Following thematic analysis, four themes emerged: immediate response to HIV sero-discordant results; challenges in relation to disclosure of HIV sero-status; limited information on HIV sero-discordant; and the impact of HIV sero-discordant on the couples. All these were mainly linked to poor counselling and inadequate support to HIV sero-discordant couples. The findings of this study have both clinical and policy development implications. Recommendations have been put forward for development of contextual relevant HIV Sero-discordant Couple Counselling and support guidelines focusing of enhancing knowledge and skills of health care professionals responsible for counselling and supporting HIV sero-discordant couples. / Health Studies / MA (Public Health)

This qualitative exploratory and descriptive study explored and described the experiences of HIV sero-discordant couples post diagnosis at the Perinatal HIV Research Unit in Soweto, Gauteng Province. Data was collected using in-depth interviews with each individual from seven HIV sero-discordant couples. Following thematic analysis, four themes emerged: immediate response to HIV sero-discordant results; challenges in relation to disclosure of HIV sero-status; limited information on HIV sero-discordant; and the impact of HIV sero-discordant on the couples. All these were mainly linked to poor counselling and inadequate support to HIV sero-discordant couples. The findings of this study have both clinical and policy development implications. Recommendations have been put forward for development of contextual relevant HIV Sero-discordant Couple Counselling and support guidelines focusing of enhancing knowledge and skills of health care professionals responsible for counselling and supporting HIV sero-discordant couples. / Health Studies / M. A. (Public Health)