OVERCOMING THE PAIN OF THE HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV): EXPERIENCES OF GOING PUBLIC ABOUT HIV POSITIVE STATUS IN GHANA

The study sought to ascertain what motivates PLHIV to provide care and support for fellow PLHIV in Ghanaian hospitals and during home visits, despite the fact that they do not receive any salaries. Data for the study were obtained from 120 purposively selected PLHIV serving in Ghanaian hospitals and clinics across the length and breadth of the country as ‘models of hope’ for fellow PLHIV who have been newly diagnosed of having HIV through a questionnaire and in-depth interview. The purposive sampling technique was employed to select the sample size. Qualitative and quantitative methods were adopted for the study. Results of the study were analysed using the Statistical Product for Social Services (SPSS). The theoretical framework for the study is the exchange theory. A major result was that the respondents were motivated by the fact that they wanted the newly diagnosed PLHIV to have some hope and live positively with HIV.

Keywords: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Hope, Models of Hope, Training, Incentives, Benefits