TREATMENT SEEKING BEHAVIOUR AMONG THE RURAL WIDOWS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS By Alex Pandi[1], A. Thomas William[2], V. Davis Raja[3] and M. Ponnuchamy[4]

Abstract

                Health is a core value, which is cherished by the organised behaviour of human beings. It is one of the socio-cultural factors that determine the status of any individual. The stigma attached HIV infection has created panic among the persons living with HIV (PLHIV). This study analysed the socio-economic contour of the widows living with HIV to understand their condition and their treatment seeking behaviour with specific reference to adherence of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Descriptive design was employed to study the treatment seeking behaviour of the widows living with HIV. Qualitative technique such as focus group discussion was conducted. The WLHIV have easy accessibility to health care from the health institutions but the economic burden on the take off their time and responsibility to drift away from regular maintenance of their health. The NGOs working with the WLHIV have not initiated sustainable livelihood programme for them. Though they are in self-help groups, they are not given privilege in promoting viable income generation programmes. The NGOs need to concentrate to enable the WLHIV to enhance their economic status, which would ultimately increase their treatment seeking behaviour.

Key words: HIV/AIDS, WLHIV, NGO, ART, Treatment seeking behaviour

[1]   Scholar, Manonmaniam Sundranar University, Tirunelveli

[2]   Associate Professor & Post Doctoral Awardee, Dept. of Applied Research, Gandhigram Rural Institute – Deemed University

[3]  Scholar, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore

[4]  Scholar, Manonmaniam Sundranar University, Tirunelveli

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