Home-based care for patients with HIV/Aids:A case study of east and west Karachuonyo divisions of Rachuonyo District, Kenya.

Abstract

This study investigated HBC for PWHA in Rachuonyo District in Kenya. The main objective was acceptability of HBC for PWHA. It focussed on 40 PWHA and 38 caregivers in Karachuonyo who were systematically sampled and interviewed. Focus group discussions were also held with the key participants during the study. The study focussed on four main broad questions; 1. To what extent are the people ofKarachuonyo willing to accept HBC for PWHA? 2. What factors influence acceptability ofHBC for PWHA in Karachuonyo, Rachuonyo district? 3. What factors inhibit the adoption and success of HBC for PWHA in Karachuonyo? 4. What is the future ofHBC for PWHA in Karachuonyo, Rachuonyo District? The study found out that 45% of the respondents accepted HBC for PWHA in Karachuonyo, Rachuonyo district. A number of factors influenced acceptability of HBC for PWHA, which ,include; personal individual characteristics, attitudes, levels of HIV and HBC awareness and availability or absence of HBC organizational network, among others. The factors inhibiting the adoption and success of HBC were also identified as follows; poor network of organizational network, lack of care facilities and materials, lack of funds, lack of caring skills and training, dependency of the PWHA on the support organs and lack of basic needs, among others. The people were aware of the role played by HBC for PWHA though they were not' completely convinced that the goals of HBC for PWHA were being met. This was because of lack of care facilities and non-accessibility to comprehensive care. The study established that the future of HBC for PWHA would not very bright and sustainable unless the prerequisites for HBC for PWHA identified by the study were met. In conclusion, the study made recommendations to the effect that HBC for PWHA should be made more acceptable through intensification of HBC awareness, improvement of medical and socio-material support network before it can become a viable strategy for managing patients with HIV/AIDS. The study suggested a national study on acceptability of HBC for PWHA and the role of HBC for PWHA in improving health status and reducing HIV incidence in the areas where it has been adopted.