An investigation into home-based care as a continuum of the comprehensive health care provision for people living with HIV?AIDS at Umlazi and its informal settlements in health region "F” of KwaZulu-Natal Province

Abstract
The study was an exploratory descriptive one to investigate Home-Based Care as a continuum of the health care provision with specific reference to People Living with HIV/AIDS in the Umlazi metro area of KwaZulu-Natal and its informal setdements. A critical analysis of literature on perspectives on HIV/AIDS and home-based care was done to provide in-depth understanding of these phenomena. Purposive sampling complemented with snowball sampling was done to select participants from a population of people living with HIV/AIDS, home-based care¬givers, social workers and traditional healers. Questionnaires comprising open-ended and close-ended questions were used. The study revealed that a holistic approach to care is provided to sick individuals and family members through home-based care. In spite of limited resources in the home environment, those cared for at home by loving, caring family members expressed satisfaction. It was found that the Department of Health and various organizations were involved in different initiatives in the fight against HIV/AIDS and support of home-based care, but it was difficult to cope with the psycho-social problems and the frequent episodes of severe AIDS-related illnesses. Recommendations made were directed at coordination of strategies to strengthen home-based care and support for the sick individuals and their families. Teamwork and participation of the various stakeholders were emphasised through construction of the model entitled "AIDS-PETAL Home-Based Care Model". The model highlights the specific role that each category should play. The joined tips of the petals symbolise the synergic effects of the combined efforts in home-based care.
Description
Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements fro the degree M.A. Curationis in Nursing Science Department at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2001.
Keywords
Home-Based Care
Citation
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