The role and function of a disability grant and perceived benefit for persons on HAART in Masiphumelele Community

In the context of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in South Africa Disability Grants are playing a major role in alleviating poverty. In HIV-affected households in the community of Masiphumelele in Cape Town they are most often the only source of income. The high unemployment rate in South Africa together with limited welfare provision may result in HIV-infected persons having to face the dilemma of losing a grant or continuing to adhere to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) once clinically stable with an undetectable viral load. Non-adherence could lead to drug resistance and would thus be detrimental to health, with increased risk of infection and a higher burden of care. Persons who adhere to the antiretroviral (ARV) regime are more likely to have a reduced viral load and an increase in CD4 count, which results in the loss of the Disability Grant since they are then classified as able to work. Aim of the study: The aim of this study is to explore HIV positive persons' perceptions of the usefulness of Disability Grants and their contribution to health and well-being while on HAART. Objectives of the study: * To determine perceptions of the purpose and function of Disability Grants among persons who are HIV positive in the Masiphumelele community. * To explore with participants whether their perception of Disability Grants may affect decision-making with respect to adherence to ARV therapy.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Year dc:date.issued

2012

Author dc:creator

• Woolgar, Helen Louise

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Mayers, Pat

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/14396

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/14396