School of Nursing

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Browsing School of Nursing by Author "Basson, P. M."

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    The identification of community needs for AIDS health education
    (University of the Free State, 1997-09) Khokho, Sylvia Rejoice Olebile; Basson, P. M.; Visser, L.
    English: AIDS is a fatal disease which mostly affects the economically productive age-group (25-50 years). It therefore adversely affects the economy of the country. It is also expensive to treat as it affects the immune system of the body, thereby rendering the person critically ill and requiring intense and expensive nursing and medical care. AIDS is also seen as a disease of attitude and behaviour, as it is closely associated with sexual behaviour, where a person has more than one sexual partner. This practice, in the form of polygamy (as seen today) and concubinage, is still accepted as normal cultural practice in most black communities in spite of the effect of social change on many tribal customs. There is a drastic increase in the number of persons infected with AIDS in spite of existing efforts to combat the disease. This increase is not specific to a particular racial group, country, community or town. It is a worldwide problem. However, most new cases of AIDS are found among the black population. Health education seems to be the only strategy available as a measure for controlling the spread of AIDS in the absence of a cure. There is therefore a definite need to investigate the requirements for the development of a health education program for the control of AIDS. The aim of this study was to identify the needs of the community for AIDS health education. This entailed eliciting their perceptions of AIDS, establishing their preference regarding the AIDS educator, identifying topics/aspects to be addressed in the educational program, as well as establishing principles with which ethnicspecific health educational programs should comply to be acceptable to communities. Interviews were conducted with clients visiting health services In Mangaung. Trained fieldworkers were used to help with the implementation of the structured interview schedule. The data were analysed and the findings were compared and discussed in terms of the literature review. Reliability of the data collection instrument was ensured by training fieldworkers to ask questions correctly. The conduction of a pilot study to identify possible problems and address these before the major study helped to ensure reliability. For the purpose of validity, the interview schedule was submitted to experts in research. This ensured face validity. Content validity was ensured by submitting the measuring instrument to a domain expert. It was also handed to an expert working at the AIDS Training, Information and Counselling Centre (ATICC) for evaluation. These experts were asked to evaluate the interview schedule in terms of whether the questions were correctly and objectively worded and whether they matched the objectives of the study. Conclusions and recommendations were made and guidelines, based on findings, were set for the development of a health education program for the control of AIDS.
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    The needs of HIV positive patients and their families
    (University of the Free State, 2002-05) Ndaba, Baliwe Semly; Basson, P. M.; Honiball, S.
    English: HIV infection is a global problem affecting individuals of all racial groups, socioeconomic backgrounds, cultures, sex and age The statistical information available at all governmental levels shows only a tip of an iceberg, because of the small number of people who present themselves for HIV blood tests. In South Africa, for example projected statistical information at provincial levels is based on the results of antenatal women attending the public primary health care facilities (who volunteered to be tested for HIV) (refer to Figure 1.1). The aim of the study was to identify the needs of HIV positive patients and their families. A qualitative study was done that captured the unique experiences of the interviewed subjects, by tape-recording the unstructured interviews of both the HIV positive individuals and their family members. Purposive sampling was done from the attendance register, with the assistance of the primary health care centre personnel and specialized Auxiliary Officer at Koffiefontein. Subjects participated voluntarily in the research, after signing an informed consent form. The sample comprised both adult males and females. Saturation. was reached after interviewing four patients and three members of their families. Giorgi's method of data analysis was used (See Appendix II) Identified needs were classified into themes/constituents and groups using activities of daily living as described by Uys (1999). The groups were further categorised into major categories according to Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Under the physiological needs, the needs identified included nutrition, sleep, rest, respiration, exercise, water and hygiene. The emotional support, empowerment and financial support form the pillars for the safety and security needs. In the love and belonging needs category, the communication and self concept needs of subjects were identified. The self-esteem and self-actualization needs revealed the needs for emotional support, understanding and compassion towards the HIV positive individuals and their families. HIV infection affects not only those who have the virus, but also those who irrationally fear infection, those who are at risk of being infected (who fear infection), friends, families, professionals and volunteer care givers, and neighbours of HIV infected individuals alike. The elderly are also included, because this disease affects their children who are economically active. HIV infected individuals are normally taken care of by their relatives during their final stage of the disease (AIDS). On their death the elderly take care of their children. Where there are no relatives the children may be taken to orphanages, hospitals and for foster caring. The disease per se is a multifaceted challenge that needs a multi-disciplinary approach from grass roots level to the highest authority in the country to fight against its spread (intersectoral collaboration). People living with AIDS and their families need understanding and compassionate community members to support them emotionally, thereby removing the burden of the stigma associated with this disease.