Assessment of the quality of services provided by the home community based care programme to people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS

Abstract

The North-West Province has the fifth highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the country and has an estimated HIV prevalence of 22.9%. On the 24th November 1999 cabinet approved a special allocation of funds to finance a National integrated programme in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic. They involved Departments of Social Services, Health, Education and Agriculture. The plan comprised three main components, which included the implementation of Home Community Based Care models for children and youth infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. The North-West Province was one of the provinces identified to pilot the programme and funds were allocated for the establishment of the programme. This study was undertaken with the aim of assessing the quality of services provided by the Home Community Based Care Programme to people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. An empirical survey as well as a literature study was undertaken to determine whether the caregivers that are part of the Home community based care programme play their set role. Forty-five beneficiaries of the programme were randomly selected as respondents. An evaluative research design was utilised to test the progress of the Programme and check whether the programme is consistent with programme design specifications. A structured self-administered coded questionnaire with descriptive questions was developed and self administered to 45 respondents in Ikageleng Location in Zeerust who were randomly selected from a list of beneficiaries. The findings of the study indicated that caregivers who are part of the Home Community Based Care Programme play their set role. The programme provides good quality services to beneficiaries. The programme provides palliative care services, material support, care and support services, awareness and education and income generation.