Palliative care acceptability among people living with HIV/AIDS in Kisii county of Kenya

Abstract

This study investigated the palliative care acceptability among people living with HIV/AIDS in Kisii County of Kenya. 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 check on reliable the instruments are. The questionnaires yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.7815. SPSS programme was used to analyse data. The t-tests were employed to establish any differences between support group attendances, gender and stress levels of PLWHAS. On the other hand, the Chi-square test was employed to establish any association between Mwanyagetinge Community-Based Care and counselling services and the sexual behaviour of PLWHAS. It was concluded that Most PLWHAS 55.4% reported that family caregivers' attitudes towards them had positively improved due to home visits by skilled programme caregivers. This study recommends sustaining positive behaviour and prolonging the lives of PLWHAS; support group therapy could be encouraged in churches and schools to avoid isolation and loneliness. A suggestion for further research was that a study is done to determine the preparedness and effectiveness of counsellors in helping the PLWHAS in community-based programmes.