An investigation on the responses of men to an HIV-positive diagnosis

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:This research investigates the responses of men to an HIV-positive diagnosis. It wasconducted in the light of anecdotal evidence that many men respond to an HIVpositivetest result by vowing to infect women, so as not to die alone, or out of asense of revenge.An explorative-descriptive approach was used. Data was gathered by the use ofthree research tools:Pre-test questionnaires Post-test interviews Post-test focus groupsThere was no sample for this study, it represent 100% of men who visited theVoluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) clinic from June to October 2004. Hundredand fifty respondents filled in pre-test questionnaires and the same respondents wereinterviewed after. Focus group discussions were conducted as a method to collectqualitative data that was required and the information in which way 'people'sfeelings, thinking, perceptions and point of views can be obtained. Respondentsparticipated in focus groups discussions in ten groups in different days in theKayamandi Primary Health Care Centre to develop a better understanding of genderbase violence, an issue that I have identified as a priority for the men of Kayamandi.The focus groups lasted one and a half to two hours.The data generated was analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The findingsindicated that after post-test counselling, 17% of respondents openly said they wouldinfect other people. This is a disturbing scenario. I do not know whether, with timeand follow up counselling, there will be a change of mind with this 17%. On the otherhand, after post-test counselling 83% said they would protect themselves and others.There were all sots of group dynamics: those that believed in maintaining theirculture, and those that said things must change to suit the present situation. Thepeople on the shacks were more tribal with their partners in the hostels. Therespondents in formal houses were more liberal.The study's recommendation draws attention to the need for the inclusion of men inreproductive health and a follow up counselling were both partners are involved. Asan urgent need, I would like to concentrate on the 17% who say they will infect otherpeople so as not to die alone. This group represents a huge portion of people living inthe shacks. They are

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University