The socio-economic impact of HIV/AIDS on infected individuals in the Capricorn District of Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Previous research about people living with HIV and AIDS has highlighted social support as an important determinant of health outcomes. The purpose of the study was to determine Tthe socio-economic impact of HIV and AIDS on infected individuals in the Capricorn District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample. Semi-structured in-depth interviews with a schedule guide were conducted until saturation of data was reached. Trustworthiness was ensured by using Lincoln and Guba's model criteria. Ethical standards for nurse researchers were adhered to. Ethical standards were adhered to; while Tesch’s open coding qualitative data analysis method was used. Five themes emerged during data analysis. The findings revealed that there are different sources of income of HIV-positive people, living conditions of HIV-positive people which are not acceptable, consequences related to HIV and AIDS disease progression, the support and care to HIV-positive people and disclosure versus non-disclosure of HIV-positive status. Study recommendations emphasise the fact that there is a need for HIV and AIDS patients to receive continuous support from family, friends, and the community with the purpose of enabling them to cope emotionally, socially, and economically.

Keywords: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), effects, epidemic, socio-economic status, family.