Issues of disclosure in relation to HIV and AIDS

Abstract
The major aim of the study was to determine whether broad-based initiatives, such as community based stigma reduction intervention programmes (later) based on the findings of the study, could have an impact on the uptake of HIV-testing and disclosure rate. The total sample comprised of 15 females and 15 males that were chosen from one of the support groups based at one of the selected Hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal Province. With the assistance of the hospital officials, the researcher was able to use the purposive sampling technique in selecting the respondents. From the themes, it became evident that people living with HIV and AIDS are faced with an important dilemma regarding whether or not they should reveal the HIV-positive status to significant others, in-depth interviews with the focus groups produced the following themes as accounts of emotional observations: isolation, social stigma, anger, revenge and depression. In the light of the findings of the study, a need arose for the establishment of an intervention programme aimed at addressing the common barriers associated with HIV disclosure. Community Psychology in particular, played a major role in shaping this study because of its action focus on groups.
Description
A Thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Community Psychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of Zululand, 2007.
Keywords
AIDS (Disease); South Africa; KwaZulu-Natal; Psychological aspects, HIV-positive persons; South Africa; KwaZulu-Natal; Psychological aspects, Disclosure of information; South Africa; KwaZulu-Natal.
Citation