Knowledge, practices and perceptions of caregivers of clients diagnosed with HIV/AIDS on home based care.

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Date
2009-12-04
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Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
Abstract
This descriptive qualitative research was conducted to establish and determine the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of caregivers with clients diagnosed of HIV and AIDS on home based care. The prevalence of HIV infections are increasing world wide and Literature shows that 2.2 million people were living with the virus at the end of 2007 and 1.9 million individuals are being infected every year. In the health sector this has contributed to congestion in hospitals, premature discharges, poor quality of care and inadequate resources. These are not conducive to speedy recovery and in view of these mentioned issues the government has extended care giving in the community where caregivers take lead, therefore the need for conducting the study. Theory of reasoned action by Ajzen and Fishbein was the theoretical framework that was used to guide the study. It takes into account that caregivers behavior is determined by their behavioral intention to perform it ant the intention is determined by the persons attitude and subjective norms to perform the behavior. It is an essential tool for determining people's attitude and practices towards patients with HIV and AIDS. Data was collected using a structured interview guide and convenient sampling was used. The guide was interpreted in local language for proper communication. Data was analyzed manually and results were presented using bar graphs and pie charts. The results of the study have shown that the care givers are meeting with problems that are influencing care giving in area 25 Home Based Care where the study was done. These problems include: social economic, psychological and physical problems. It is quite clear that these caregivers need more assistance and trainings to update their knowledge. The results of the study may be included to nursing education curriculum so as to equip nursing students with care givers knowledge, perceptions and practices towards patients with HIV and AIDS on home based care. Government can benefit from these results by adopting the recommendations hence improving caregiver's knowledge, practices and perceptions hence promoting health of the nation.
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