Overcoming HIV/AIDS discrimination: The role of community based care in Kenya

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of Mwanyagetinge community-based care in helping PLWHAS overcome social discrimination in Kisii municipality. The study used a case study design. The target population was 300,000 people affected and infected by HIV and AIDS epidemic within Kisii Municipality. From an accessible population of 500 people, a sample size of 239 was purposively selected, out of which 128 PLWHAS were support group members, whereas 74 were not, and 25 were family caregivers. Data were collected using questionnaires. A pilot study was done to determine the reliability of the instrument. The questionnaires yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.7815. SPSS version 12.5 for windows) was used to analyse data. The chi-square test was used to determine the presence of any association between Mwanyagetinge Community-Based Care and social discrimination. The data generated by the study established that Mwanyagetinge Community based caregiver visits helped PLWHAS to overcome social prejudice. The recommendation put forward by the study is that the government should give incentives to the community, churches and NGOs to develop the programs meant to assist PLWHAS and prevent the further spread of HIV/AIDS. The plan can be achieved through legislation and policy formulation for the care and protection of PLWHAS.