HIV/AIDS & excessive alcohol consumption in Koffiefontein HIV/AIDS infected residents who attend sessions at HIV/AIDS support centres

The study conducted in Koffiefontein, a small town in South Africa, aims to understand why HIV/AIDS and excessive alcohol consumption prevention and care programmes were ineffective in the area and therefore holistically increase the life-span of people living with the virus.

Nine days were spent observing the community. Representatives from the local department of health, managers from the five HIV/AIDS support centres, peer leaders and the research team assisted with the project. A sample of 75 HIV positive participants were chosen from the community; and Focus group discussions and individual interviews were conducted.

The focus group revealed the factors that influence increased alcohol consumption in HIV positive individuals are: The high levels of unemployment, Lack of job or education opportunities, The men force women (mostly their wives or girlfriends) to have unprotected sex with them when they are drunk, The men expressed that they feel that they can “escape” from the reality that they are faced with; Many stated that it is easier to continue drinking alcohol than to try to stop- addiction; Some of the PLWHA were unaware of any adverse effects of consuming alcohol when HIV positive.

The study proved to be highly relevant and therefore guides to the construction of relevant prevention and care programmes which will increase the life-span of people living with the virus as well as impart knowledge unto those who are not infected but can apply the principles extrapolated from the programmes.