The Role of a Counsellor in HIV/AIDS Control and Management
Joseph Ozegbe Ebifa
Department of Medical Laboratory Services, Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Nigeria.
Beauty Eruchi Echonwere-uwikor *
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Orokwu Eziaku Chukuigwe-Igbere
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Priya Homa Chukwu
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Kemzi Nosike Elechi-Amadi
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a spectrum of conditions caused by infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Counselling can be defined as the professional guidance of an individual by utilizing psychological methods especially in collecting case history data, using various techniques of the personal interview testing interest and aptitudes. HlV/AlDS counselling therefore, is a dialogue between a client and a counsellor or care provider aimed at enabling the client cope with stress and to make personal decisions relating to HIV/AIDS. Various studies throughout the world suggest that HIV/AIDS counselling assists people to make informed decisions, cope better with their condition, lead more positive lives, and prevent HIV transmission.
Aim: This study ascertained the role of counselors in the prevention, control and management of HIV/AIDS.
Methods: Two hundred patients were studied using questionnaire. Analysis was done using Likert's four variable method.
Results: The respondents that benefited from the counsellors by means of counselling is 196(98%). With the help of counselling, they were able to avoid reinfection after testing positive (x =3.75), have a positive behavioural change (x = 3.69), deal more effectively with psycho-social stress associated with HIV infection (x =3.70), cope with their spouse (x =3.59), cope with their treatments and medication (x = 3.46) and did not allow their religious belief affect their treatment = 1.82).
Conclusion: Counsellors were found to play a very significant role in the prevention, control and management of HIV/AIDS. However, this study also established a significant association between attending counselling sessions and benefiting from the counsellors via counselling 196(98.0%).
Keywords: Counsellor, HIV/AIDS, control, management