The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #43529

Gladys Mabunda, RN, PhD, School of Nursing, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Campus Box 1066, Edwardsville, IL 62026, 618 650 3905, gmabund@siue.edu

South Africa has one of the fastest rates of HIV infection in the world. The purpose of this study was to identify the level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS by a rural South African Community. The study was guided by Leininger=s Culture Care Diversity and Universality theory. Qualitative research methods were used to conduct the study. A convenient sample of 27 informants was recruited from a support group meeting based at an outpatient department of a hospital. The snowball method of recruitment was also used. Data were analyzed using Leininger=s Phases of Qualitative Data analysis. The study reveals that individuals who are members of a support group are knowledgeable about HIV. Conclusions: Support groups have a significant impact on the knowledge level of the community about HIV/AIDS. Implications: Support groups need to be established in hospitals, community agencies that work with people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS, churches, and other agencies.

Learning Objectives:

• Evaluate the use of support groups as a strategy to educate individuals about HIV
• Describe the use of support groups as a strategy to influence lifestyles of individuals living with HIV
• Evaluate the level of knowledge of HIV by individuals who have attended support group meetings

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Education

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.