Azwihangwisi Helen Mavhandu-Mudzusi

Management of Staff and Students Living with HIV and AIDS in a South African Rural-Based University

Abstract Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is making its toll in South African institutions of higher education. Studies revealed that several students and staff became ill and some died in patterns that signal HIV and AIDS-related conditions. The study aim was to explore how the staff and students living with HIV and AIDS are managed at a South-African rural-based university. The study used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach as a methodology. In-depth interviews were conducted with19 participants composed of staff and students living with HIV and AIDS and other university staff involved in the provision of care to this population. Data were analysed using IPA framework for data analysis.One superordinate theme “inadequate planning to address the need for managing staff and students living with HIV and AIDS on the campus” emerged from data analysed. This theme had four sub-themes: persisting stigma and discrimination, lack of confidentiality, inadequate treatment, care and support. This study recommends the development of a contextually relevant HIV/AIDS care management model for a South African rural-based university.

The Experiences of HIV-serodiscordant Couples at the Perinatal HIV Research Unit in Soweto, South Africa

Abstract The incidence of HIV-sero-discordancy among heterosexual couples is estimated between 30 to 50%. This poses great risk to increased spread of HIV as seronegative partners in a sero-discordant relationship have higher risk of HIV infection compared to negative serocordant couples. This paper reports on the experiences of HIV sero-discordant couples at the Perinatal HIV Research unit in Gauteng Province, South Africa. A qualitative approach was adopted, underpinned by interpretative phenomenological analysis. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews of seven couples (N=14). The data were thematically analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis framework.Three superordinate themes emerged as the experiences of couples after receiving HIV sero-discordant diagnosis namely: psychosomatic responses to HIV serodiscordant results, Impact of serodiscordancy on the couples’ relationship and support for serodiscordant couples.The main source of the negative experiences were mainly indicating inadequate information and counselling offered to serodiscordant couples after receiving serodiscordant diagnosis. The findings of this study have both practice and policy development implications. Recommendations have been put forward for development of contextual relevant HIV Serodiscordant Couple Counselling and Support guidelines focusing on enhancing knowledge and skills of health care professionals responsible for counselling and supporting HIV sero-discordant couples.

The Couple Interview as a Method of Collecting Data in Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Studies

The aim of this article is to discuss the couple interview as a method of collecting data in interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) studies. This study was conducted in Gauteng, South Africa, with the aim of understanding the experience of living in an HIV-serodiscordant relationship. Seven HIV-serodiscordant heterosexual couples were interviewed (dyadic interviews). This article provides a brief overview of these HIV-serodiscordant couples, as well as gives reasons for using IPA as a methodology for exploring the experiences of HIV-serodiscordant couples and explains the processes and outcomes involved. This article also presents the strengths of using the couple interview such as obtaining in-depth information and observing couple interaction. This is not possible during an individual interview. During the couple interview, the sitting position, interaction, gender, and power dynamics need to be observed. It is recommended that the interviewers be very skilled and experienced. The interviewers need to manage interactions during the interview and be able to adapt the process according to the participants’ cultural practices and preferences. This will improve the use of the couple interview as a data collection method in IPA studies when exploring sensitive issues.

Zero new HIV infections: Mission impossible with current perceptions of young adults in Vhembe District regarding condom use

Background Millennium Development Goal (MDG) number 6, target 6A focuses on halting and reversing the spread of HIV by 2015. South Africa is amongst the 189 countries that are involved in trying to meet the MDGs. In order to try and achieve this goal, South Africa, through its HIV and AIDS, STI and TB strategic plans has adopted the United Nations vision of ‘Zeros’, which include zero new HIV infections by the year 2015. One of the key interventions for achieving this is improvement in access to condoms. Aim This article reports on perceptions of Vhembe District young adults regarding condom use. Setting This study was conducted in one of the rural clinics in Vhembe District of the Limpopo Province: South Africa. Methods A quantitative, cross-sectional design approach was followed. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to 372 young adults who came for healthcare services at one of the clinics in Vhembe District. Results The findings indicated that there is a relationship between positive perceptions toward condom use and actual condom use. People who have positive attitudes toward condoms are also more likely to use them. In contrast, people with a negative attitude towards condoms are less likely to use them during sexual intercourse. Negative attitudes of health care providers were found to be a barrier that prevents sexually active individuals to access condoms in primary health care facilities. Conclusion With current perceptions towards condom use, Zero new HIV infection will never be achieved. The researcher recommends development of strategies for promoting access and correct use of condoms.