The willingness of tavern and shebeen owners in Gqebera, Port Elizabeth to implement or strengthen existing HIV prevention efforts and measures in their establishments

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Socio-economic conditions prevailing in Gqebera, Port Elizabeth, give rise to many challenges facing the community, including high alcohol use and a high HIV prevalence. Tavern and shebeen owners are uniquely positioned to play a possible role in HIV prevention efforts in their liquor serving establishments as they are obvious intermediaries between alcohol abuse and possible HIV transmission (which could result because of unprotected sex where one partner is HIV-positive). The overall aim of the research was therefore to explore the willingness of tavern and shebeen owners in Gqebera to implement or strengthen existing HIV prevention efforts and measures at their establishments.The study was exploratory in nature. Semi-structured interviews with eleven tavern and shebeen owners in Gqebera, both male and female, were conducted. In depth interviews with two key respondents to provide contextual information about the legal and socio-economic environment in which liquor serving and selling establishments operate were also done.The research findings indicated a high degree of concern among the tavern and shebeen owners interviewed about the possible transmission of HIV among customers and in the community. This concern also reflected in the high level of willingness to implement or strengthen HIV prevention efforts and measures in their establishments. Condoms, generally available in the establishments, were seen by all owners as central to prevention efforts both for patrons and the wider community. However, owners felt that the distribution of condoms needed to be strengthened. Owners indicated their own need for empowerment and knowledge of referral services available so that they could effectively be counsellors on HIV prevention for their clients. Respondents felt that educational materials have an important role to play. Outside support in various forms to aid prevention efforts, such as in providing training for customers, would generally be welcomed, but potential customer reaction was mentioned as an important factor to be considered in this regard.The main conclusion emanating from this study is that the willingness of tavern and shebeen owners to be involved in HIV prevention should be maximally harnessed as a valuable resource in the fight against HIV and AIDS. The study also revealed many possibilities, and the need, for further research around the topic and related topics. This included the potential for self-regulation by owners of establishments, the provision of incentives for owners to abide by the law, and the role taverns and shebeens could play in reducing Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and HIV stigma. The study also gave rise to various recommendations directly or indirectly related to the research findings. These include promoting the female condom, the formation of partnerships between establishment owners themselves and with other stakeholders, and for clinics to better manage issues around the identification and stigmatisation of HIV+ patients.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University