Abstract:
Based on the perceived need to eradicate the spread of HIV/ AIDS epidemic among
our rural communities, an investigation was conducted within the rural areas on how
perceptions of the community members on the role of the social environment could
influence the design of HIV/AIDS training programs in rural areas. Prior to the
investigation however, it was important to establish whether there was a need for such
programmes as HIV/ AIDS among our rural areas that will help the same community
to fight against the spread of HIV/ AIDS among themselves.
A situational analysis was conducted within a particular municipality in rural areas to
establish whether the perceptions of these community within the rural areas
HIV/AIDS among themselves. The interviews where conducted with fifteen
respondents. The purpose of the interviews was to establish how their perceptions
contribute to the fight against the disease and with regard to the role of social
environment to design of HIV/ AIDS training programmes in rural areas. In order to
determine the exact view of the community, the respondents were asked several
questions based on HIV/ AIDS training programmes.
The main aim of the investigation was to discuss how perceptions of community
members on the role of the social environment could impact on the design of
HIV/ AIDS training programmes in rural areas. The study was conducted using the
qualitative research strategies such as interviews and focus group interviews.
The respondent's experience of the investigation was to ascertain views on HIV/ AIDS
matte. In rural areas for example matters related to HIV/ AIDS is regarded by majority
as taboo since these communities are influenced by their own cultural beliefs and
traditions. However most of the community members are eager to tackle HIV/ AIDS
related matters as it is threatening their lives.
