Evaluation of the Efficacy of Home-based Care for PLWHA in Region 3, Guyana

Wednesday March 05, 2008

This paper reports on a study of the efficacy of Home Based Care services provided for People Living with HIV/AIDS in Region Three, Guyana. This area of focus was selected due to its significance in providing effective and appropriate health care, which is critical in the reduction of the transmission of HIV/AIDS, and in mitigating its impact. Twenty (20) participants from Region Three, who were clients of the HBC service, were involved in this study. The aim of this study was to identify the extent to which the needs of PLWHAs are met, in order to evaluate the efficacy of HBC services being provided. The design was qualitative, structured interviews were conducted on a convenient sample. The results from this study provide evidence which indicates that while HBC services are necessary for the implementation of successful, holistic care, it is certainly not sufficient, nor capable of meeting the diverse needs of PLWHAs in Region Three. Orem’s Theory of Self-care Practice is used as the conceptual framework due to its appropriateness in representing the relationship between the components of HBC service, and the indicators used to measure the efficacy of its implementation, (Orem, 1971). Many similar factors have been identified by PLWHAs, as being essential for successful HBC practice. It is recommended that a review be conducted of the HBC services, to include content and directions which are specific to the social, emotional and educational needs of PLWHAs.