Health promotion strategies for families with adolescents orphaned by HIV and AIDS

Abstract

PURPOSE : This paper aims to explore and describe health promotion strategies for adolescents orphaned by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), as well as the evaluation thereof. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND : Among the Sub-Saharan countries, such as Swaziland, Botswana and Lesotho, South Africa is rated as fourth in the list of countries with the highest number of people living with HIV and AIDS. METHOD : The study employed phenomenological qualitative design. The population consisted of the purposively selected health promoters working in the Hammanskraal region, directly and indirectly involved with families with adolescents orphaned by HIV and AIDS. Following the focus group interviews, data were analysed using the seven steps of Colaizzi. RESULTS : Four categories and eight subcategories were concluded as the strategies for adolescents orphaned by HIV and AIDS as well as the evaluation thereof. The main categories identified were: the door-to-door outcome, workshop outputs, statistical data and community projects. DISCUSSION : It is evident that the health promotion strategies informed by the four themes will be implemented. The outcomes may raise an awareness in the community, support families and provide statistics on the impact of HIV and AIDS on families. STUDY LIMITATIONS : The study was limited to one subdistrict and to health promoters in a rural area, therefore the results cannot be generalized to all other subdistricts including health promoters, especially those in urban areas. CONCLUSION : The successful evaluation programme will pin out the strong points and challenges while assisting in improving the quality of work provided in the communities. Implication for nursing and health policy: Continuing professional and practice development are required to maintain the standard of health care in South Africa. Therefore the policymakers need to include relevant information regarding health promotion strategies in reducing the statistics of people living with HIV and AIDS.