Women with HIV and AIDS: The Case of Lower Manya Krobo District, Ghana

Abstract

Ghana is a country in West Africa, which is facing the challenges of improving HIV and AIDS situation. The study investigated the causes, effects and coping mechanism used by female HIV-clients and AIDS-patients in Lower Manya Krobo District. This was a qualitative study underpinning by interpretative philosophical thought. It employed a case study approach and collected data using semi-structured interview guide. Snowball sampling technique was used to sample the view of ten (10) female HIV-clients and convenience sampling for four (4) female AIDS-patients and four (4) selected Key Informants. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study highlighted multiple factors that cause female in the Lower Manya Krobo District to be vulnerable to HIV infection. These included women sexual passivity, poverty, promiscuity and poor culture practice. The study also showed that loss of income and discrimination affected female with HIV and AIDS. Finally, the research unveiled that counselling, financial support; acceptance and visitation from friends help them to cope with the disease.

Keywords: Female HIV-clients, Female AIDS-patients, Women Passivity, Poverty, Counselling, and Loss of Income.