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Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to apply a mixed method design to develop an innovative approach to a complex community situation
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to use a comprehensive research approach with multiple research partners to explore a complex situation in depth
This was a trans-disciplinary study focusing on PLHA and people living close to them (PLC): partner, child, close friend, family member, spiritual leader and a community member. The aim was to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the impact of a Comprehensive Community-based HIV Stigma Reduction and Wellness Enhancement Intervention in both a rural and urban setting.
Methods:
A mixed method embedded design was followed. A quantitative single-system design with a pre-test and four repetitive three monthly post-test measures was combined with a holistic multiple case study. The case study captured the Comprehensive Community-based HIV-Stigma Reduction and Wellness Enhancement Intervention with PLHA and PLC. At the onset of the contact with participants a quantitative pre-test and qualitative in-depth interview were conducted. The first post-test also combined quantitative measures and qualitative in-depth interviews. Purposive voluntary sampling was conducted for the initial identification of PLHA. This was followed by snow ball sampling for the identification of the PLC. The qualitative data has been analysed using open coding and case study documentation. The quantitative data has been analysed using SPSS version 15 and doing descriptive statistics.
Results:
The PLHA and PLC that attended the workshops during the intervention gained a richer understanding of HIV stigma and how to cope with it, their self-efficacy improved and they gained skills to develop and implement a community HIV stigma reduction project. They were all empowered to be leaders in HIV stigma reduction and wellness enhancement within the specific context of stigma. Contact was increased between PLHA and PLC with resulting improved respect and understanding. A repeated measure of variance analysis will show the change-over-time in three dependant variables (HIV stigma, Psycho social wellbeing and HIV health behaviour).
Conclusion:
The Comprehensive Community-based intervention was successful for both PLHA and PLC. Differences do exist between urban and rural contexts.
See more of: Research Sessions: Oral Paper & Posters