Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Support Groups for Children Living with HIV and Aids: A Case Study of Two Hospitals in Nairobi

Abstract

The effect of HIV and AIDS on children is devastating. Since AIDS currently has no cure, the survival of HIV positive children relies on management of the disease through early identification, diagnosis and comprehensive care and support. These are followed by clear standard systems of psychosocial support through support groups. Very little is documented concerning the efficiency of these support groups for Children Living with HIV and AIDS (CLWHA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of support groups for CLWHA at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and Mbagathi District Hospital (MDH). The researcher used descriptive research design and data was collected using in-depth interviews, questionnaires and participant observation. The research findings of this study showed that MDH and KNH support groups had ad hoc policies, goals and objectives. Strategies had been put in place in both hospitals to achieve the goals and objectives of the support groups. The SGMs were facilitated by trained facilitators and co-facilitators (100%) and children attending support group meetings (SGMs) better adhered to medication (90%) at MDH and (94.4%) at KNH. Both support groups had scheduled meetings while (100%) of the children reported that they were happy with the SGMs. The children had improved academically (55%) at MDH and (100%) at KNH, socially (60%) at MDH and (83.4%) at KNH while emotionally (100%) of the children at MDH and (94.4%) at KNH had improved since they joined the support groups. The CLWHA attending SGMs and facilitators (100%) reported that SGMs were effective in providing support to HIV positive children. The above mentioned indicators led the researcher to conclude that support groups were effective in providing support to CLWHA