Health promotion strategies for families with adolescents orphaned by HIV and AIDS

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to explore and describe health promotion strategies for adolescents orphaned by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), as well as the evaluation thereof. Introduction and Background Among the Sub‐Saharan countries, such as Swaziland, Botswana and Lesotho, South Africa is rated as fourth in the list of countries with the highest number of people living with HIV and AIDS. Method The study employed phenomenological qualitative design. The population consisted of the purposively selected health promoters working in the Hammanskraal region, directly and indirectly involved with families with adolescents orphaned by HIV and AIDS. Following the focus group interviews, data were analysed using the seven steps of Colaizzi. Results Four categories and eight subcategories were concluded as the strategies for adolescents orphaned by HIV and AIDS as well as the evaluation thereof. The main categories identified were: the door‐to‐door outcome, workshop outputs, statistical data and community projects. Discussion It is evident that the health promotion strategies informed by the four themes will be implemented. The outcomes may raise an awareness in the community, support families and provide statistics on the impact of HIV and AIDS on families. Study Limitations The study was limited to one subdistrict and to health promoters in a rural area, therefore the results cannot be generalized to all other subdistricts including health promoters, especially those in urban areas. Conclusion The successful evaluation programme will pin out the strong points and challenges while assisting in improving the quality of work provided in the communities. Implication for nursing and health policy Continuing professional and practice development are required to maintain the standard of health care in South Africa. Therefore the policymakers need to include relevant information regarding health promotion strategies in reducing the statistics of people living with HIV and AIDS.

Health Promoters’ Contribution Regarding Health Promotion for Families With Adolescents Within the Hiv and Aids Context

“…During the participants' visits, they assisted families with patient care, while assessing the environment, educating the family and the clients on HIV and AIDS care and support, disease prevention and the treatment they were taking (Peu, 2014). The author further confirmed that health promoters assessed and assisted clients in establishing their own vegetable gardens.…”

“…During the discussions, the participants realised that their contributions were interlinked and overlapping with other nursing categories. They further emphasised that they worked with social workers during health promoting home visits and door to door campaigns (Peu, 2014). Similarly Kemppainen, Tossavainen and Turunen (2012) confirm that the role of nurses involves clinical nursing practice, follow up treatment, patient education and illness prevention.…”

“…This paper, therefore, focuses on the strengthening of health promoters in health promotion in order to address existing health promotion challenges within the HIV and AIDS context and the contributions of health promoters in the community. Therefore, many families with adolescents orphaned by HIV and AIDS are left with the burden of heading households and taking care of siblings (Peu, 2014). These families need a healthcare provider who will assist them in promoting their health.…”

“…Studies suggest that there are constraints in the planning, implementation and sustainability of health promotion programmes as a result of the conflicting scope of health promoters' contributions (Peu, 2014;Mnisi et al, 2012). The authors further argue that the prevention and control of a disease, such as Tuberculosis (TB), at the primary healthcare level, may pose a concern in particular for community nurses, as it may increase their workload.…”

“…Individuals and families lack health promotion information that is necessary to promote their health and prevent communicable and non-communicable diseases. Studies by Peu (2014) and Mnisi, Peu and Meyer (2012), confirm that there are flaws in the implementation and sustainability of health promotion programmes as a result of the conflicting scope of health promoters' contributions. Mnisi et al (2012) argue that the control of a disease such as Tuberculosis (TB) at the primary healthcare level, may pose a concern in particular for community nurses, as it may increase workload and responsibilities.…”