Exploring the factors influencing non-participation of women living with HIV/AIDS in empowerment projects attached to primary health care clinics, Tembisa, South Africa

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:The research was conducted to explore the experiences of people living withAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) (PLWAs), especially women,as well as the factors influencing their non-participation in developmentprojects aimed at improving their socio-economic status. The study wasconducted amongst PLWAs who are members of the Tembisa Main Clinicand Winnie Mandela Clinic support groups in Tembisa, South Africa.The researcher was motivated to conduct the research because in her workas a social worker she is confronted daily with PWLAs who are fromdisadvantaged backgrounds and are struggling to make ends meet. Initiativeshave been undertaken to try and encourage self–reliance and improve thehealth status of these women by developing food gardens to provide themwith fresh vegetables and possible income sources from these gardens. Thereluctance of members of two support groups of PLWAs to stay involved inthese projects encouraged the researcher to explore these issues.The researcher consulted various sources to obtain literature on the factorsinfluencing non-participation in development projects. In addition sheundertook a qualitative study, wherein twenty participants participated. Thedata from this study was then interpreted and compared to the literature.The findings of this study highlighted several factors such as discrimination,local beliefs, stigma and lack of support, which influence the non- participationof PWLAs in sustainable development projects. The findings of this researchalso indicate that developments projects often fail to thrive because of topdowndecisions about the projects, the fact that there is no start-up fundingavailable for the projects and participants who become demotivated toparticipate. The research therefore concludes with recommendations in orderto address these problems.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University