This qualitative study aimed to explore and describe the experiences of women living with HIV and Aids in Centurion, Gauteng Province. The study was conducted at Lyttleton clinic and 12 women living with HIV and Aids were selected for the study using a non-probability, purposive sampling technique. In-depth, individual semi-structured interviews were used during data collection. A thematic content approach in data analysis yielded the following main themes: experience of being diagnosed HIV positive, disclosure of an HIV positive status, physical signs and symptoms of HIV and Aids, stigma/ emotional stress well experiences in services rendered. The study highlighted the need for a well-established health system, assisting women living with HIV and Aids on how to cope and to raise awareness on HIV and Aids. / Health Studies / M. A. (Public Health)

This qualitative study aimed to explore and describe the experiences of women living with HIV and Aids in Centurion, Gauteng Province. The study was conducted at Lyttleton clinic and 12 women living with HIV and Aids were selected for the study using a non-probability, purposive sampling technique. In-depth, individual semi-structured interviews were used during data collection. A thematic content approach in data analysis yielded the following main themes: experience of being diagnosed HIV positive, disclosure of an HIV positive status, physical signs and symptoms of HIV and Aids, stigma/ emotional stress well experiences in services rendered. The study highlighted the need for a well-established health system, assisting women living with HIV and Aids on how to cope and to raise awareness on HIV and Aids. / Health Studies / M. A. (Public Health)

A needs assessment during 2000 guided the design of a buddy system in Botswana. Implementation of this care and support system for and by 39 HIV+ve female buddy-client pairs started in 2002. During April and November 2002, levels of disclosure, self-care, support and quality of life of buddy-client pairs and the controls (n = 38) were compared. Orem's self-care theory, Maslow's hierarchy of needs and Cohen and Syme's conceptualisation of social support formed the theoretical framework. By November 2002, clients' disclosure levels, self-care for TB, and antiretroviral therapy adherence had improved. Higher income, higher education and older age predicted higher levels of self-care for antiretroviral therapy. The social support survey reported satisfaction with types of support available in November 2002 (N = 112). Clients' scores for self-care for TB, antiretroviral therapy and social support improved more than those of controls over the study period. The personal resource questionnaire measured perceptions of support: buddies' scores increased more than those of clients. Women on antiretroviral therapy completed the adherence attitudes inventory in April and November 2002 and reported a downward trend in adherence. Findings of the quality of life (SF 36) instrument showed that during the six-month study period, physical and mental health component summary scores improved but remained low (N = 112). During 2003 Botswana's community-based buddy-support programme was adopted by four other countries in Southern Africa in an attempt to enhance the quality of life of HIV+ve women in these countries. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

A needs assessment during 2000 guided the design of a buddy system in Botswana. Implementation of this care and support system for and by 39 HIV+ve female buddy-client pairs started in 2002. During April and November 2002, levels of disclosure, self-care, support and quality of life of buddy-client pairs and the controls (n = 38) were compared. Orem's self-care theory, Maslow's hierarchy of needs and Cohen and Syme's conceptualisation of social support formed the theoretical framework. By November 2002, clients' disclosure levels, self-care for TB, and antiretroviral therapy adherence had improved. Higher income, higher education and older age predicted higher levels of self-care for antiretroviral therapy. The social support survey reported satisfaction with types of support available in November 2002 (N = 112). Clients' scores for self-care for TB, antiretroviral therapy and social support improved more than those of controls over the study period. The personal resource questionnaire measured perceptions of support: buddies' scores increased more than those of clients. Women on antiretroviral therapy completed the adherence attitudes inventory in April and November 2002 and reported a downward trend in adherence. Findings of the quality of life (SF 36) instrument showed that during the six-month study period, physical and mental health component summary scores improved but remained low (N = 112). During 2003 Botswana's community-based buddy-support programme was adopted by four other countries in Southern Africa in an attempt to enhance the quality of life of HIV+ve women in these countries. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)