Factors influencing implementation of home based care in HIV/AIDs programmes: a case of Abothuguchi West Division, Meru County, Kenya

Abstract

This research project study sought to assess the factors influencing implementation of home based care in HIV/AIDS programmes in Abothuguchi West Division of Meru County. Comprehensive. home based care in HIVIAIDS programmes have emerged with an overarching aim ensuring that people living with HIV are linked to a comprehensive range of prevention, care, treatment and support services.

The research sought to study home based care programmes in Githongo, Kithaku and Kibirichia regions of Abothuguchi West Division. These programmes are supporting PLHIV and their families on a volunteer basis following engagement with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders collaborating with the health sector such as Nongovernmental· Organizations, Faith Based and Community Based Organizations.

The objectives of the study was to assess how availability of resources, linkage to health systems and community engagement contribute to implementation of home based care programmes in Abothuguchi West Division in Meru County. The study was guided by the congruity theory that emphasizes the importance of observing and modeling the behaviors, attitudes, and emotional reactions of others.

Descriptive survey was used in analyzing the data collected using questionnaires. The research design was descriptive in nature and it focused on describing the state of affairs as it exists at present. The research instruments used were questionnaires. Descriptive statistics was used to present the findings of the study using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences.

The research findings indicated that home based care programmes in HIV I AIDS programmes in Abothuguchi West Division promote positive health status of PLHIV and this from the study was found to be the greatest motivation of caregivers working in the programmes. The study also found out that the family members gave much support to the PLHIV and their children thus reducing the tasks of caregivers in the home based care programmes including increased access to treatment.