| dc.description.abstract | The perceptions of PL WHAs on CHBC may be as important to understand as would be the practical delivery of services targeted at them. There has been a reduction on HIV prevalence, but the management of HIV /AIDS even when AR V s are available continues to present a major challenge to PL WHAs. In Kenya, implementation of CHBC has been widely supported, and national efforts have resulted in the development of policies, guidelines and manuals to guide this effort. However, it is still unclear how the beneficiaries of CHBC perceive this form of care. There have been no studies in Kenya to document the perceptions and experiences of PL WHAs with CHBC. It is against this
background that this study was launched.
This study aimed at investigating the perceptions and experiences of PLWHAs with
CHBC as well as their actual involvement in CHBC activities. The specific objectives are as follows:
• Examine the PLWHAs' knowledge and perception of the role of CHBC III
provision of their care
• Assess the level of involvement ofPLWHAs in CHBC
• Identify priority needs that PLWHAs perceive as key for CHBC interventions
• Investigate and establish the experiences ofPLWHAs with CHBC
Quantitative data for this study was collected from a purposively selected sample of seventy respondents in four villages of Kangemi informal settlement in Nairobi. Augmentative qualitative data was also collected from in-depth interviews with ten key informants who were also community health workers serving as caregivers for PLWHAs. Supplementary data were also obtained through the field observations.
The findings of this study suggest that PLWHAs have sufficient knowledge about CHBC and this knowledge guides their perceptions of CHBC. PLWHAs need to be involved to a greater extent in HIV/AIDS issues, particularly to help them acquire a wider understanding about HIV treatment and the avoidance of opportunistic infections.
PL WHAs identified clinical, nursing, counseling/spiritual, social support and other material needs as essential in their care. While needs appeared to vary considerably, most of the needs identified were largely associated with resource deprivation.
Key challenges included limitations in accessing nutritional support, lack of material resources such as shelter, limited access to clinical care and referrals and stigma. Nutrition was considered as the greatest challenge that adversely affects the attainment of CHBC goals.
Based on the findings of this study, there is need for greater participation of PL WHAs in more aspects of CHBC. The need to support an increased participation of PL WHAs in facilitating their own care at home is highly encouraged.
CHBC should be multi-faceted programs in order to provide linkages to other aspects of care and support of PL WHAs. Counseling and community education should also be extended to the PLWHA's family members and the wider community in order to reduce the social stigma associated with HIV /AIDS as well as to increase the acceptance of CHBC so as to improve the quality of life for PL WHAs. | en |
