Black farm workers' beliefs on HIV and AIDS

Abstract

In this dissertation, the argument is the understanding of the beliefs of Black farm workers regarding HIV and Aids and how these beliefs that protect them from being infected, will lead to the formulation of suggestions for a belief-sensitive approach, which can be incorporated by health care professionals in HIV and Aids-prevention programmes for Black farm workers. Several authors stress the fact that if any HIV and Aids programme is to be implemented successfully, the health care profession should strive to know more about the beliefs of the community, in this case Black farm workers, so that there can be sound human relations and effective programmes. Based on the problem statement for this study the following research questions were asked: 1. What are the beliefs of black farm workers regarding HIV and Aids? 2. How do these beliefs protect them from being infected? 3. Based on the answers to the first two questions, what suggestions can be formulated regarding a belief-sensitive approach in HIV and Aids-prevention programmes for Black farm workers? The objectives were in line with these questions, namely to explore and describe the beliefs of Black farm workers regarding HIV and Aids; to explore and describe how these beliefs protect them from being infected; and to formulate recommendations, specifically suggestions regarding a belief-sensitive approach in HIV and Aids-prevention programmes for Black farm workers. The study followed a qualitative, explorative and descriptive approach. A participatory rural appraisal (PRA) approach was used to collect data. 'Lekgotla' was used as a strategy to collect data. The results indicated that Black farm workers do have beliefs about HIV and Aids. Most of the beliefs they uphold protect them from being infected, however there are some marginal beliefs that can put them at risk of being infected. Suggestions, which health care professionals can incorporate in HIV and Aids-prevention programmes for Black farm workers, were formulated based on the results, a literature control and ensuing conclusions. Beliefs of Black farm workers that protect them from being infected could be included in the suggestions for prevention strategies. Health care professionals involved in prevention strategies should actively listen to Black farm workers’ beliefs in order for these strategies to be successful.