The effect of a provincial communcation strategy to address HIV, AIDS, STIs and TB (HAST) in the Limpopo Province

Abstract

The lack of a contextualised, relevant communication strategy focusing specifically on HAST diseases in the Limpopo Province was the impetus for this research. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to explore the knowledge, perceptions and utilisation of health facilities for HAST in order to develop an acceptable and effective communication strategy for the Province to address the high rate of HAST diseases. The study followed a qualitative approach guided by the major tenets of the Health Belief Model, namely, to determine modifying factors, individual beliefs and cues for action. An in-depth literature review was followed by focus group interviews with the community members and personal interviews with District and Provincial Deputy Directors. Based on these findings, a communication strategy was drafted and piloted for three months in one of the districts in Limpopo. Further refinement of the communication strategy followed after member-checking and further interviews with directors HAST. The final strategy specifically focused on risk groups with each of the diseases in terms of their beliefs and perceptions. It further resulted in guidelines for health providers in terms of the content and implementation of effective communication strategies within the context of educational, cultural, social and economic factors relevant to Limpopo