A survey on the persceptions and attitudes of people living with AIDS/HIV towards helath care providers and community members of the Rusternburg area

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the perception and attitudes of people living with AIDS towards community members and health care providers of the Rustenburg area. The aim of the study was to determine the attitudes and perception of the people living with AIDS towards health care providers and community members. To determine the attitudes of people living with AIDS towards feelings of isolation, rejection, blame and discrimination by society and to suggest more information on how to handle people living with AIDS. The subjects were 20 male and females between the age below 20 and above 40 years admitted at George Stegman Hospital, Saulspoort, Rustenburg area. The results indicated that a large proportion of the sample indicated that the health care providers are supportive and taking good care of them. Thus, they perceive them as good, and that they are not discriminatory, rejecting and isolating them. They hold a positive attitude towards them. However, community members were perceived as rejecting, isolating and discriminating against them. The subjects indicated that the only support they receive from the community members is from their family members and sometimes from friends. The respondents also mentioned that they had information about the disease before their diagnosis. Their reactions towards the diagnosis differed, and this included feelings such as shock, guilt, confusion and the desire to commit suicide. Findings regarding their sexual intimate relationships were different as others were involved in multiple or casual relationship and others were only committed to one partner. Regarding the issue of how they learnt about their condition, they indicated that they learnt after conducting a blood test. A large proportion of the respondents also indicated that a condom is the only effective method to reduce the spread of AIDS as there is no cure for AIDS. They also mentioned that education is of importance to inform people about AIDS, people living with AIDS must also teach people about it.