Psychosocial support for counselors working with HIV-Serodiscordant couples
Lelaka, Constance Matshidiso; Mavhandu-Mudzusi, Azwihangwisi Helen
Living in HIV serodiscordant relationship poses psychosocial challenges
to couples. These necessitate proper counseling. This paper
explored the psychosocial support for counselors working with HIVserodiscordant
couples at a regional hospital. The study used descriptive
and exploratory approaches, underpinned by an interpretative
phenomenological analysis design (IPA). Participants were selected
using a non-probability snowball sampling technique. A total of nine
participants took part in the study. Data were collected using an indepth
interview guide and analyzed using an interpretive phenomenological
analysis framework. Three themes emanated: knowledge deficiency
on serodiscordancy among the counselors, limited/lack of
support and ways to recommend HIV-serodiscordant couples services.
The findings indicates that there is need to enhance, strengthen, and
provide comprehensive psychosocial support services to discordant
couples. To support and improve the knowledge, confidence and skills
of counselors, the following should be implemented: provision of
training, introducing debriefing sessions to reflect on discordant
cases, follow-up on discordant couple’s post diagnosis to offer psychosocial
support services, and establishment and strengthening of
the support groups.
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