Abstract:
This study is aimed at exploring the psychosocial needs and problems experienced by black African women with HIV/AIDS and their families. In order to address these needs and problems it is necessary to determine what HIV/AIDS is, how it is transmitted and what the reasons may be for African women’s vulnerability to acquire HIV. Since the family members of the African woman with HIV/AIDS is also affected by the appearance of the illness it is important to look at needs and problems that may arise in the family. Addressing both the needs of the African woman with HIV/AIDS and that of the family members is of great importance, since these problems cannot be separated and addressed individually. The research methodology applied in this study was firstly defined, after which the various literature chapters followed with descriptions of important concepts and the discussion of HIV/AIDS related aspects. The above-mentioned provide the necessary background and knowledge whereby insight of the needs and problems experienced by African women with HIV/AIDS and their families is possible, as well as how these needs can be addressed. Research findings were schematically r4epresented and thoroughly discussed to determine if there were any comparisons with the assumptions of the study that indicate that African women with HIV/AIDS and their families experience financial- and psychosocial problems because of HIV/AIDS, and serious pressure is placed on them because of these problems. Some guidelines for HIV-counselling were also compiled by integrating the literature study, the research findings and experience in practice. These guidelines show that there are various problems in the different phases of HIV-counselling, that demand specific knowledge and insight from the counsellor in addressing these needs. Lastly a general summary, conclusions and recommendations were made with reference to relevant findings of the study. It was found that specific sexual behaviour among African men and women promote the rapid spread of HIV, and that African men and women should be empowered to prevent the spreading of HIV through relevant information. It also seemed that social welfare organisations are not visible in affected communities and should promote the services they deliver by introducing these services into the affected communities.
