_Psychosocial Problems in Persons Infected and Affected by Hiv and Aids_2014

Abstract

This study sought to investigate psychosocial problems experienced by HIV-infected persons attending to the Fever’s unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and their corresponding affected persons. HIV-infection is associated with experiences of a range of psychosocial problems which are often experienced as well by significant others. Even though the introduction of antiretroviral drugs has prolonged the lives of infected persons, psychosocial problems continue to prevail. The study was cross sectional employing both quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative data was obtained through questionnaire administered to a convenient sample of 192 HIV-infected persons and 127 HIV- affected persons. The qualitative data was obtained through six (6) Focus Group Discussions and six (6) In-depth interviews to explore meanings associated with living with HIV and the role psychologists can play in the care and treatment of HIV and AIDS in Ghana. Findings indicated that HIV-infected persons experience elevated levels of a range of psychosocial problems. Experiences of these problems were found to be predicted by individual’s personal characteristics and circumstances. Similarly, HIV-affected persons also experienced elevated levels of a range of psychosocial problems. Their personal characteristics and circumstances were equally found to affect these experiences. Qualitative results indicated that living with HIV is associated with emotional challenges but the availability of social support helps to buffer these challenges. The suggestion was that psychologists could play a complementary role in the provision of care to persons infected and affected by HIV and AIDS hence the need for them to be included in the health care delivery system. The implication is that in delivering health care services, the inclusion of mental health services as an integral part will help to ensure that total health is delivered to clients who seek health care services from the hospitals.