Psychosocial support for counselors working with HIV-Serodiscordant couples

Abstract

Living in HIV serodiscordant relationship poses psychosocial challenges
\nto couples. These necessitate proper counseling. This paper
\nexplored the psychosocial support for counselors working with HIVserodiscordant
\ncouples at a regional hospital. The study used descriptive
\nand exploratory approaches, underpinned by an interpretative
\nphenomenological analysis design (IPA). Participants were selected
\nusing a non-probability snowball sampling technique. A total of nine
\nparticipants took part in the study. Data were collected using an indepth
\ninterview guide and analyzed using an interpretive phenomenological
\nanalysis framework. Three themes emanated: knowledge deficiency
\non serodiscordancy among the counselors, limited/lack of
\nsupport and ways to recommend HIV-serodiscordant couples services.
\nThe findings indicates that there is need to enhance, strengthen, and
\nprovide comprehensive psychosocial support services to discordant
\ncouples. To support and improve the knowledge, confidence and skills
\nof counselors, the following should be implemented: provision of
\ntraining, introducing debriefing sessions to reflect on discordant
\ncases, follow-up on discordant couple’s post diagnosis to offer psychosocial
\nsupport services, and establishment and strengthening of
\nthe support groups.