title: Perceptions of the availability and effectiveness of HIV/AIDS awareness and intervention programmes by people with disabilities in Uganda.
abstract: The study investigated perceptions of the availability and effectiveness of HIV/AIDS awareness and intervention programmes by people with disabilities in Uganda. Participants (N=95) were made up of 15 leaders of disabled people's organisations (DPOs) and 80 people with disabilities (PWDs). A survey design which used both quantitative and qualitative research methods was adopted. A questionnaire was used for leaders of DPOs while focus group discussions (FGDs) were held with the rest of the participants. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data. The qualitative data were analysed by means of a content analysis. The study found that although PWDs were aware of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, they felt discriminated against on HIV/AIDS issues. The PWDs had difficulties in accessing HIV/AIDS services because of mainly communication problems. Results further revealed that the HIV/AIDS policy on disability was not very clear. The PWDs requested for full involvement in HIV/AIDS advocacy and training programmes. Recommendations were made.
authors.affiliation: Walter Sisulu University, Faculty of Education, South Africa. rchireshe@wsu.ac.za
authors.forename: Regis
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Chireshe
authors.forename: Edward Ntare
authors.initials: EN
authors.lastname: Rutondoki
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ojwang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003144:Communication Barriers; D003254:Consumer Advocacy; D003469:Culture; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D011287:Prejudice; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012938:Social Perception; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014454:Uganda; D035862:Vulnerable Populations