Investigation of socio-economic impact of HIV/AIDS experienced by people living with HIV in Zululand municipality

Abstract

Background: People living with HIV and AIDS generally experience a range of social, economic and other challenges as a result of their condition. Purpose: It is in that regard, that the purpose of the study was to investigate the socio-economic impact of HIV and AIDS experienced by people living with HIV in Zululand District Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Province. Setting: The current research study was conducted at Enkonjeni HAST Clinic in the Ulundi Local Municipality. Ulundi is a small town in the rural areas of Zululand District Municipality of Northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Population: The targeted population in this research study were all people above the age of 18 years who are living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) in the Ulundi Local Municipality of Zululand District Municipality and attending the Nkonjeni HAST Clinic for antiretroviral treatment. Sampling: The study adopted a qualitative research approach in conjunction with the exploratory and descriptive research designs. Non-probability purposive sampling methods were used to select the study sample with the sample size of 30 participants. No data saturation occurred. Data Collection Method and data analysis methods: Data collection was facilitated by means of in-depth semi-structured interviews Thematic data analysis was utilised in the organisation, processing and categorisation of the 30 interview-based and concerting them into meaningful statements that served as the appropriate framework for the development of the findings. Results: The study has demonstrated that people living with HIV and AIDS in the Zululand District Municipality are socially affected as stigma and discrimination still prevail in families and in communities. Recommendations: There is need that warrants immediate intervention of HIV and AIDS education to attain a high level of social behaviour change in the families and in communities.