Clients’ perspectives on HIV/AIDS care and treatment and reproductive health services in South Africa

Abstract

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.

Keywords:

• HIV/AIDS care and treatment
• sexual and reproductive health
• client experiences and preferences
• involving men
• qualitative research

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the World Health Organization, South Africa's Medical Research Council and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation through the Population Council in New York, USA. The authors thank N. Manjezi, P. Ngubane and N. Nywagi for the interviews; the Western Cape Province Department of Health; staff and participants at the study site.

Notes

1. Men had little experience with SRH services therefore the data from the men's interviews/focus groups on this issue was sparse and only women's experiences are presented here.