Community home based care for HIV and AIDS patients : a Malawian experience

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences that HIV and AIDS patients who are on Community Home Based Care Programme have in the Lilongwe district of Malawi. Finally; concrete propositions were developed for the implementation of quality community and home based care programmes in Malawi. A qualitative research design using an interpretive phenomenology was used. The study took place in semi-rural and urban areas of Lilongwe district using patients from 3 major organizations dealing with people living with HIV and AIDS. Purposive sampling technique was used to choose the sample and a total of 15 in-depth interviews were conducted. Data was analyzed using ATLAS ti version 5. Findings revealed that the majority of the participants were concerned that they were living with HIV and AIDS. Most of them expressed anxiety, worries and fears of death. Another majority complained about the burden of opportunistic infections. Almost half of the participants felt guilty bringing misery to their families and complained of stigma and discrimination. However, a minority group of participants felt that to live with HIV and AIDS is not the end of life. Relatives were mentioned as the main care providers to HIV and AIDS patients. However, they were also cited high as a source of stigma. Conclusions were made that women and girls are at the highest risk as they bear the burden of care. It was therefore recommended that the Government of Malawi and all Non Governmental Organizations should develop women social economic status through promotion of education, provision of loans and provision of Gender Sensitive trainings. Formal training for care of HIV and AIDS patients should be introduced to all primary caregivers to render quality care in the homes and therefore this study has developed and pre-tested an educational program for this group.