The diagnosis of HIV is a life-changing event that requires people to deal with the disease, as well as cope with HIV stigma. Both people living with HIV or AIDS (PLHA) and their close family members (CFM) are stigmatized, but CFM also stigmatizes PLHA. This interaction affects the relationship between PLHA and their CFM. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a comprehensive community-based HIV stigma reduction intervention on PLHA and their CFM as well as to explore and describe their experiences during and after the intervention. A holistic multiple case study design as well as a qualitative description approach was used. The study was conducted in both an urban and a rural setting. Purposive sampling was used for the PLHA and snowball sampling for the CFM. The case record for the case study consisted of several sources. In-depth-interviews were used to explore their experiences. The data was analysed using open coding and text document analysis. Both groups gained a richer understanding of HIV stigma and coping with it. The relationships enriched by PLHA feeling more supported and CFM realizing how they stigmatized and that they should be more supportive. Leadership was activated through the project. Bringing PLHA and CFM together during an intervention, proved to be affective, Recommendations focus on the inclusion of HIV-related stigma reduction awareness interventions in the curriculum of student nurses and the implementation thereof in the community, through community based nursing. It would be of benefit if the programme could also be offered as a workshop to traditional healers in the community. Nurses in clinics working with PLHA should invite PLHA and CFM to participate in groups to support each other in reducing HIV-related stigma and share problem-solving coping strategies. The researcher believes that the results of the current study have important implications for further research in HIV-related stigma reduction interventions in other countries and demographic groups. It has the potential to be used for long-term monitoring studies of HIV stigma reduction interventions and the change over time. / Thesis (MCur)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

The diagnosis of HIV is a life-changing event that requires people to deal with the disease, as well as cope with HIV stigma. Both people living with HIV or AIDS (PLHA) and their close family members (CFM) are stigmatized, but CFM also stigmatizes PLHA. This interaction affects the relationship between PLHA and their CFM. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a comprehensive community-based HIV stigma reduction intervention on PLHA and their CFM as well as to explore and describe their experiences during and after the intervention. A holistic multiple case study design as well as a qualitative description approach was used. The study was conducted in both an urban and a rural setting. Purposive sampling was used for the PLHA and snowball sampling for the CFM. The case record for the case study consisted of several sources. In-depth-interviews were used to explore their experiences. The data was analysed using open coding and text document analysis. Both groups gained a richer understanding of HIV stigma and coping with it. The relationships enriched by PLHA feeling more supported and CFM realizing how they stigmatized and that they should be more supportive. Leadership was activated through the project. Bringing PLHA and CFM together during an intervention, proved to be affective, Recommendations focus on the inclusion of HIV-related stigma reduction awareness interventions in the curriculum of student nurses and the implementation thereof in the community, through community based nursing. It would be of benefit if the programme could also be offered as a workshop to traditional healers in the community. Nurses in clinics working with PLHA should invite PLHA and CFM to participate in groups to support each other in reducing HIV-related stigma and share problem-solving coping strategies. The researcher believes that the results of the current study have important implications for further research in HIV-related stigma reduction interventions in other countries and demographic groups. It has the potential to be used for long-term monitoring studies of HIV stigma reduction interventions and the change over time. / Thesis (MCur)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Introduction : Les personnes ayant eu un accident vasculaire cérébral léger (AVCL) sont autonomes pour l’accomplissement des activités de la vie quotidienne de base, mais peuvent présenter des déficits subtils pour l’accomplissement d’activités complexes qui ne sont pas dépistés durant l’hospitalisation. Le retour à domicile parmi les proches est souvent le moment où certaines difficultés apparaissent. L’objectif de cette étude est d’explorer la perception des proches de leur qualité de vie, trois mois après le retour à domicile de la personne ayant eu l’AVCL. Méthodologie : Cette étude qualitative repose sur un paradigme constructiviste. Des entrevues individuelles semi-dirigées ont été menées à l’aide d’un guide d’entrevue, auprès de proches de personnes ayant eu un premier AVCL trois mois auparavant. Une transcription du contenu des entrevues a été faite sous forme de verbatim, suivie d’une analyse de contenu. Résultats : Huit entrevues ont été complétées (âge moyen 56,9 ans – ratio hommes/femmes de 2/6). Six thèmes ont été identifiés : personne ayant eu l’AVCL, vie quotidienne, relation conjugale, récidive, santé et services. L’AVCL engendre plusieurs incapacités (personne ayant eu l’AVCL) et les proches interrogés rapportent une augmentation de leurs tâches quotidiennes ce qui limite leurs activités personnelles (vie quotidienne). Ils mentionnent également devoir passer du rôle de conjoint à celui de parent, ce qui modifie la dynamique de couple (relation conjugale). Les proches se disent anxieux face au risque de récidive (récidive) et certains présentent des malaises physiques comme des maux de tête et un manque d’énergie (santé). Les proches affirment n’avoir accès à aucun service et que le seul soutien dont ils bénéficie est celui de leur entourage (services). Conclusion : Le retour à domicile de la personne AVCL engendre diverses conséquences sur le quotidien des proches, ce qui affecte leur qualité de vie. / Introduction: Mild stroke clients are often independent in basic activities of daily living but may present subtle deficits that impact on complex activities and roles. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceived quality of life of close family members three months after the stroke client was discharged home. Method: Qualitative design based on a constructivist paradigm. Interviews were conducted with family members of mild stroke clients three months after discharge. An interview guide was used and the audio content was transcribed, followed by a content analysis. Results: Eight interviews were conducted (mean age 56.9 ± 9.2 years; men=2/8). Six essential themes emerged from the data. According to participants, mild stroke clients present sequelae that interfere with complex tasks (patient), increasing the burden on other family members who have to limit their personal activities (daily living). Spouses reported sometimes acting like a parent, which caused tensions in the relationship (conjugal relationship). Anxiety is related to the risk of stroke recurrence (relapse) and some family members present physical symptoms and a lack of energy (health). However, family members do not have access to services despite support from their relatives (services). Conclusion: The results of this exploratory study strongly suggest that even a ‘mild’ stroke has an impact on the daily lives of close family members and affects their quality of life.

Introduction : Les personnes ayant eu un accident vasculaire cérébral léger (AVCL) sont autonomes pour l’accomplissement des activités de la vie quotidienne de base, mais peuvent présenter des déficits subtils pour l’accomplissement d’activités complexes qui ne sont pas dépistés durant l’hospitalisation. Le retour à domicile parmi les proches est souvent le moment où certaines difficultés apparaissent. L’objectif de cette étude est d’explorer la perception des proches de leur qualité de vie, trois mois après le retour à domicile de la personne ayant eu l’AVCL. Méthodologie : Cette étude qualitative repose sur un paradigme constructiviste. Des entrevues individuelles semi-dirigées ont été menées à l’aide d’un guide d’entrevue, auprès de proches de personnes ayant eu un premier AVCL trois mois auparavant. Une transcription du contenu des entrevues a été faite sous forme de verbatim, suivie d’une analyse de contenu. Résultats : Huit entrevues ont été complétées (âge moyen 56,9 ans – ratio hommes/femmes de 2/6). Six thèmes ont été identifiés : personne ayant eu l’AVCL, vie quotidienne, relation conjugale, récidive, santé et services. L’AVCL engendre plusieurs incapacités (personne ayant eu l’AVCL) et les proches interrogés rapportent une augmentation de leurs tâches quotidiennes ce qui limite leurs activités personnelles (vie quotidienne). Ils mentionnent également devoir passer du rôle de conjoint à celui de parent, ce qui modifie la dynamique de couple (relation conjugale). Les proches se disent anxieux face au risque de récidive (récidive) et certains présentent des malaises physiques comme des maux de tête et un manque d’énergie (santé). Les proches affirment n’avoir accès à aucun service et que le seul soutien dont ils bénéficie est celui de leur entourage (services). Conclusion : Le retour à domicile de la personne AVCL engendre diverses conséquences sur le quotidien des proches, ce qui affecte leur qualité de vie. / Introduction: Mild stroke clients are often independent in basic activities of daily living but may present subtle deficits that impact on complex activities and roles. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceived quality of life of close family members three months after the stroke client was discharged home. Method: Qualitative design based on a constructivist paradigm. Interviews were conducted with family members of mild stroke clients three months after discharge. An interview guide was used and the audio content was transcribed, followed by a content analysis. Results: Eight interviews were conducted (mean age 56.9 ± 9.2 years; men=2/8). Six essential themes emerged from the data. According to participants, mild stroke clients present sequelae that interfere with complex tasks (patient), increasing the burden on other family members who have to limit their personal activities (daily living). Spouses reported sometimes acting like a parent, which caused tensions in the relationship (conjugal relationship). Anxiety is related to the risk of stroke recurrence (relapse) and some family members present physical symptoms and a lack of energy (health). However, family members do not have access to services despite support from their relatives (services). Conclusion: The results of this exploratory study strongly suggest that even a ‘mild’ stroke has an impact on the daily lives of close family members and affects their quality of life.