A model for improving pastoral support and care for church members living with human immunodeficiency virus and/or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in Limpopo Province
1
Public Health and Health Systems, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to be a major public health issue, with high infection rates and significant mortality. The role of churches in HIV prevention has been largely debated, particularly concerning the use of condoms.
AIM:
The model’s objective was to assist pastors in enhancing support and care for individuals living with HIV, ultimately improving their quality of life.
METHODS:
Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic analysis revealed four major themes: pastors’ experiences regarding HIV and/or AIDS, pastors’ knowledge of HIV and/or AIDS, pastors’ attitudes towards HIV and/or AIDS and pastors’ practices concerning HIV and/or AIDS.
RESULTS:
The findings highlighted challenges in pastoral care because of a lack of knowledge and training, alongside negative attitudes and practices towards people living with HIV. A model was developed to combat HIV and/or AIDS, improve pastoral care and counselling, enhance the quality of life for people living with HIV and reduce new HIV infections among church members. The model’s development was guided by the Context, Input, Process and Output (CIPO) theory system.
CONCLUSIONS:
The research findings underscore the importance of integrating people living with HIV in HIV and/or AIDS prevention efforts within church settings and enhancing pastoral care and counselling
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to be a major public health issue, with high infection rates and significant mortality. The role of churches in HIV prevention has been largely debated, particularly concerning the use of condoms.
AIM:
The model’s objective was to assist pastors in enhancing support and care for individuals living with HIV, ultimately improving their quality of life.
METHODS:
Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic analysis revealed four major themes: pastors’ experiences regarding HIV and/or AIDS, pastors’ knowledge of HIV and/or AIDS, pastors’ attitudes towards HIV and/or AIDS and pastors’ practices concerning HIV and/or AIDS.
RESULTS:
The findings highlighted challenges in pastoral care because of a lack of knowledge and training, alongside negative attitudes and practices towards people living with HIV. A model was developed to combat HIV and/or AIDS, improve pastoral care and counselling, enhance the quality of life for people living with HIV and reduce new HIV infections among church members. The model’s development was guided by the Context, Input, Process and Output (CIPO) theory system.
CONCLUSIONS:
The research findings underscore the importance of integrating people living with HIV in HIV and/or AIDS prevention efforts within church settings and enhancing pastoral care and counselling
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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