Atteridgeville prisoners’ experiences of HIV/AIDS pre- and posttest counselling

Abstract

This study focuses on prisoners’ experiences of HIV/AIDS pre-and posttest counselling. The objective of this study was to explore and report on prisoners’ experiences, perceptions and views on HIV/AIDS pre- and posttest counselling. It is a narrative exploratory study which was conducted in the Atteridgeville prison in Pretoria. This work highlights the complexity of the issues involved in HIV/AIDS testing and counselling, and emphasises alternative stories about prison and HIV/AIDS. Such stories include themes like the positive aspects of being HIV-positive and incarcerated; prison as a safe haven; a quest to live despite being an HIV-positive ex-con. The aim was not to interpret the narratives, but rather to share them as they were told. Conclusions suggest that HIV/AIDS testing has a potentially overwhelming psychosocial impact on individuals; it is therefore crucial that proper pre- and posttest counselling accompany the testing procedure.