Home based care is a major intervention in the management of HIV/AIDS and other
illnesses in need of palliative care, especially in situations where resources are limited.
The challenges associated with HIV/AIDS infection in Botswana resulted in the training
of home based care volunteers (HBCV) to assist in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The
HBCV regularly visit and assist ill patients at home. They provided support with home
activities and basic health care. They are to note changes in their clients’ condition,
and, if necessary, report to the home based team at the clinics for further action. The
purpose of this study was to explore their knowledge, attitude, and perception in the
identification, management, and referral of common symptoms of HIV/AIDS.
METHODOLOGY
A cross sectional study of thirty three HBCV participants using a semi-structured
interview guide was carried out. Closed and open ended questions were used to collect
sociodemographic data and explore their knowledge, attitudes, and perception in
relation to the identification, management, and referral of common symptoms of
HIV/AIDS. A 5 point Likert scale was used to access their confidence with caring for
different symptoms. The response to the open-minded ended question were coded and
analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION
Most of the participants were women. The study revealed that fatigue, weakness and
pain were the symptoms most identified by HBCV. Other symptoms like diarrhoea
were also identified with HBCV demonstrating satisfactory basic knowledge and
management of these symptoms. They were aware of common symptoms of
opportunistic diseases like tuberculosis and the need to refer such patients. Majority
of HBCV were "comfortable" or "very comfortable" with their role of referring patients
for symptom management.
This study exposed the negative experiences of HBCV, which included stress, fatigue,
helplessness, dealing with difficult families, fear of HIV infection, and death of clients. It
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also highlighted their positive experiences of community appreciation, financial reward,
providing symptom relief, spiritual development, increased knowledge, and having a
sense of "Botho" (humanness and community responsibility).
This study showed the knowledge of the HBCV in relation to HIV/AIDS and associated
symptoms. It also presented their attitude and perceptions with the management and
referral of these symptoms.