Lived experiences of counsellors in communicating HIV test results to discordant heterosexual couples at a selected general hospital, Chingola district, Zambia.
Date
2020
Authors
Mututubanya, Lukika Susan
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
The purpose of study was to investigate the Lived experience of counsellors in communicating HIV test results to discordant heterosexual couples at a selected general hospital in Chingola District on Copperbelt province of Zambia. The study was an interpretive phenomenological design supported by qualitative approaches of data collection. 10 counsellor-participants, 8 female and 2 males in the study. Participants were selected using purposively qualitative data
generated through use of interview guide; focused group discussion guide and observational checklist was analysed using thematic analysis approach which led to identification of emerging themes. Thematic analysis involved coding and categorising the emerging themes in relation to the study. The study revealed that communicating HIV test results to discordant couples was quite a problem. Couples were not willing to take tests nor receive test results. They often
expressed fear of stigmatization, marriages ending up divorce or separation and unwillingness to disclose status to each other. The study further showed that, counsellors were ill-prepared in preparation of discordant couples for testing and communicating test results. It was also evident from the study that, periodically counsellors provided support to the couples once results had been accepted by making follow up visits; phone calls and providing food supplements through hospital management. Arising from the study findings, it was recommended that the hospital management work to upgrade the skills of counsellors dealing with discordant couple in communicating HIV test results. Through the hospital management, effort should be made to
strengthen the support system for discordant couples once they have accepted their new status
Description
Thesis of Master of Science in Counselling