The accessibility of HIV/aids related health information to people living with HIV/aids in khomas region (Windhoek).

ABSTRACT

 THE STUDY HIV/AIDS is a worldwide problem generally and a particular one in Namibia. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a fatal disease caused by the Human Immune Virus (HIV). This disease has become an epidemic, infecting tens of millions of people worldwide. The virus, which is transmitted from one individual to another through the exchange of body fluids (such as blood or semen, and breast milk) attacks white blood cells, thereby causing the body to lose its capacity to ward off infection. As a result many AIDS patients die of opportunistic infections that strike their debilitated bodies. Living with HIV/AIDS is a challenge. (Hirsch, Kett & Trefil, 2002, p. 1). The purpose of this study is to explore and describe the accessibility of HIV/AIDS related health information to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in the Khomas region in Namibia. The objectives of the study are to:  Explain the experiences of those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.  Determine the accessibility of HIV/AIDS related health information for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA)  Determine the knowledge of PLWHA on support systems A qualitative approach formed the basis of this research design. Qualitative research is a means vii of exploring the depth, richness and complexity inherent in a phenomenon. Qualitative methods are particularly useful when describing a phenomenon from the “emic” perspective, which is the perspective of the informants’ point of view (De Vos et al., 2002, p. 357). This specific approach was selected because the researcher intended to explore and describe how people living with HIV/AIDS access information to live positively with the disease. The in-depth interviews were conducted where the participants gave their experiences on living with HIV/AIDS. On the accessibility of health information in general, this study found that only some people have access to HIV/AIDS information. But access to HIV/AIDS related information is limited for some participants who identified language, lack of interest, alcohol abuse, time allocation as some of the barriers. Most reading materials are either written in English or Afrikaans which made it impossible for most of PLWHA to understand it. Those who understand those languages do not share it with others because of stigma. Participants also indicated that alcohol abuse does contribute to inaccessibility to such information. Participants stated that some PLWHA are abusing alcohol and do not listen when information is presented whether through the radio or at community meetings. Some participants also claimed that the time allocated to HIV/AIDS programme on National television (NBC) and radio stations is not enough. All these factors made it impossible for PLWHA to have access to relevant information. Recommendations were formulated. Problems such as the language issue need to be looked at by all stakeholders who are responsible for preparing information materials. More programmes on viii HIV/AIDS are needed on radios and NBC television in local languages. Stigma and discrimination need to be addressed seriously from all levels of society. This will enable PLWHA to live positively. Poverty was also identified as a barrier to living positively with HIV/AIDS. It is, therefore, recommended that specific programmes/projects need to be developed to reduce poverty among PLWHA. Approaches to enable men to participate in HIV/AIDS issues should be developed and strengthened. Further research related to this study is recommended.