Perceptions of community members on the role of the social environment in the design of HIV/AIDS training programmes in rural areas

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.