Die opstel en evaluering van 'n maatskaplikewerk bemagtigingsprogram vir gesinne van MIV positieweNIGS-pasiente.

Abstract

Apart from the fast growing number of persons who are daily infected by HIV/AIDS in South Africa, creating a situation that affects the country as a whole, the State is confronted by high medical costs which cannot be afforded. The urgency and necessity to find more cost-effective ways of treating and supporting the HIV/AIDS patient, forced the Faculty of Health Sciences at the PU for CHE (Focus Area 9.1) to undertake an investigation regarding the immunity system of HIV patients in the Potchefstroom Health District. The aim of this action was complex, namely: to strengthen the immunity system of HIV patients in this particular Health District by means of oral supplements; to slow down the decline of patients from HIV to AIDS by means of the above mentioned; to improve the life satisfaction and quality of life of HIV/AIDS patients by means of a group work assistance programme, and to improve the life satisfaction and quality of life of AIDS patients and their families by means of a social work empowerment program. To reach this aim, the following goals had to be attained: To establish, by means of a literature study, the impact of HIV/AIDS on South African society. This aim was reached by scrutinising HIV/AIDS as a social problem. The focus fell on the influence of this malady on the demography of South Africa, with the social component and the economy of the country accentuated as well. To this end areas like agriculture, education, health care and also the in~uence of AIDS on South African households and the children in the country received special attention. To determine the needs of AIDS patients and their families by means of a literature study and empirical investigation. In order to attain this aim the procedure of surveying was implemented. To this end the researcher personally completed schedules regarding 79 HIV/AIDS patients and 18 families. Accordingly a profile of HIV/AIDS patients and their families could be compiled and their specific needs pinpointed. From the results of this survey it was evident that patients as well as their families experience several problems and that they definitely have need of empowerment in order to be able to take care of the patient at home. To identify, by means of a literature study and an empirical investigation, the specific skills knowledge and attitudes of families that have to take care of patients at home. In this way skills that families must have command over could be determined. From the results gathered from this survey it was evident that families in disadvantaged communities in South Africa are hardest hit by the AIDS pandemic and that they should be empowered with skills regarding home care for patients. To investigate, by means of a literature study, the task of the social worker, and specifically empowerment through a social work program I regarding families taking care of AIDS patients. This research proved that Social Work very definitely has a task and responsibility regarding the empowerment of families who have to take care of an AIDS patient at home. Provided that families in disadvantaged communities are empowered with knowledge and skills concerning HIV/AIDS and home care, a valuable contribution can be made towards the improvement of the life satisfaction and quality of life of the patient as well as his family. It can also contribute to and bring relief in the crises South African's health care is experiencing as a result of HIV/AIDS. The ideal with the last mentioned aim was, taking into account the specific needs of families, to develop a social work empowerment program and to evaluate this program after implementing it. The mentioned program was successfully presented to individual families over three days and proved to be especially suited to equip literate as well as illiterate family members with knowledge and skills. concerning home care. This program was presented in the form of a story with which the family members could identify and make it their own. To evaluate the effect of the social work empowerment program on the life satisfaction and quality of life of families that take care of an AIDS patient at home. This aim was achieved by means of compassionate participating observation. To do this successfully the researcher spent 24 hours in the homes of the families concerned and observed certain activities. The qualitative results achieved in this fashion showed that a social work empowerment program remarkably improves the life satisfaction and quality of life of those families taking care of AIDS patients at home. In conclusion it can be stated that this research has proved that a scientifically founded, well-planned social work empowerment program can be implemented successfully to improve the quality of life as well as the life satisfaction of those families who take care of AIDS patients in their homes. It will also benefit the national economy as well as the hard stressed general health infrastructure of South Africa.