Association of People Living With HIV/AIDS as a Coping Strategy of Living with HIV/AIDS in Giwa and Kachia Local Government Areas, Kaduna State

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the membership association of People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) as a coping strategy to HIV/AIDS. The study was conducted in Giwa and Kachia Local Government Areas of Kaduna state. Data for this study were obtained through primary and secondary sources. Data also derived from the administration of a structured questionnaire and conduct of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). A purposeful sampling method was used. This method selected those who are living with HIV/AIDS in both Local Government Areas. In all, 329 PLWHA were involved in the survey. The data were analyzed and presented in percentage distribution. The results obtained reveal that 42.2 percent of the respondents were males and 57.8 percent were females. About 48 percent of the respondents were married, 51.3 percent were in polygamous union. It was found out that 80% of PLWHA derived benefits in belonging to the association. Getting drugs, getting money, receive comfort, getting food, and receive advice are the benefits of belonging to the association and as a mean of coping with HIV/AIDS. This study recommends the empowering of PLWHA as a matter of urgency. This could be done by giving them grants, employment opportunities as well as provide vocational training especially to poor PLWHA women who do not have jobs. Provision of opportunities to participate in either trading or empowerment to support their condition will go along way to enhance their quality of life.

Key words: Association of PLWHA, Coping strategies, HIV/AIDS, Giwa and Kachia LGAs.