Clients' perspectives on HIV/AIDS care and treatment and reproductive health services in South Africa.
Qualitative research was conducted with HIV-positive women and men of reproductive age attending HIV/AIDS care and treatment services at a public health clinic in Cape Town, South Africa. Focus group discussions were held with women (n = 4) and men (n = 4), and in-depth interviews were held with four men to explore perceptions and experiences of HIV/AIDS care and treatment and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care. Respondents praised their HIV/AIDS care and treatment, reflected on how it improved their quality of life and contrasted this with suboptimal care at other public health facilities, including SRH services. Women wanted integrated services, especially for contraception and to reduce stigma. HIV-positive men's lack of experience with SRH services and antipathy towards attending "women's" health services were highlighted. Challenges to involving men in HIV/AIDS care and treatment and SRH services and measures to address this were identified.
Orner
Phyllis
P
School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. phyllis.orner@uct.ac.za
Cooper
Diane
D
Myer
Landon
L
Zweigenthal
Virginia
V
Bekker
Linda-Gail
LG
Moodley
Jennifer
J
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000628:therapy; D000328:Adult; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D036301:Qualitative Research; D034121:Reproductive Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D013019:South Africa; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult