AIDSImpact.com:: - Santa Fe, USA 2011

Abstract #100 - The need for social work intervention in a rural community regarding HIV/AIDS
Authors: Presenting Author: Dr Corinne Strydom - North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus
Additional Authors: Mr. Blanche Carolus,
Aim: To determine the need for social work intervention in a rural community with regard to HIV/AIDS. As further objectives the following can be delineated: • To examine the perceptions of the community of HIV/AIDS. • To investigate the need for social work intervention in a rural community.
Method / Issue: The study design was exploratory in nature. The quantitative approach was utilised. The population-consisted of 700 households in the rural area. A random sample of 230 households were included. The researchers completed the interview schedule, which consisted of closed and open ended questions, with the head of households. All ethical issues, including respondents’ rights to privacy, confidentiality and informed consent were considered. Debriefing was very important, especially with an emotional topic such as HIV/AIDS. The assistance of the Statistical Consultation Services of the North-West University was used to process and analyse the data by making use of a programme.
Results / Comments: It was evident that most of the household heads have a low level of education, are unemployed and rely on social grants. As a result of this, the families suffer from malnutrition, their health is compromised, housing conditions are inadequate and there are signs of family disorganisation. Some of the respondents in the study seem not to be aware of HIV/AIDS and others seem reluctant to discuss it for fear of stigmatisation. Seeing that HIV/AIDS is such a widespread disease affecting numerous households in the country, one would expect that the respondents would be aware of it. Support structures and service networks should be put in place to attend to the needs of the community to prevent or address HIV/AIDS. The social worker can take on many roles with regard to HIV/AIDS, especially in disadvantaged rural communities. The social worker as a skilled and professional person can bring about a major positive change.
Discussion: HIV/AIDS is one of the most rapidly spreading pandemics in the world and there is well documented evidence that the largest number of people living with the HI-virus is found in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially in South Africa. People living in rural areas are most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS because they live in unfavourable social and economic conditions. The unemployment rate is extremely high, poverty is evident, the infrastructure that delivers educational, health and welfare services is inadequate, there is poor nutrition, and domestic violence and family disintegration are rife. HIV/AIDS undermines the economic security of households by reducing the productivity of mainly prime-age adults while simultaneously diverting scarce household resources towards health care. HIV/AIDS has already resulted in life expectancy dropping and child mortality increasing. The extent to which people can protect themselves from HIV infection depends firstly on their ability to empower their community to meet their physical, social, economic and psychological needs. Secondly it depends on the people’s knowledge of perceived risk and their capacity to apply that knowledge. Professional and structured intervention is necessary to address these socio-economic problems in order to prevent HIV/AIDS.
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