Gendered Stress Levels and Support Group Attendance Among Persons with HIV in Kenya

Abstract

The study purposed to determine the difference in stress levels of PLWHAS based on gender and support group attendance in Kisii municipality. The study used a case study design. The target population was 300,000 people affected and infected by HIV and AIDS epidemic within Kisii Municipality. From an accessible population of 500 people, a sample size of 239 was purposively selected, out of which 128 PLWHAS were support group members, whereas 74 were not, and 25 were family caregivers. Data were collected using questionnaires. The reliability of the tools was checked through a pilot study. The questionnaires yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.7815. SPSS version 12.5 for windows was used to analyse data. The t-tests were employed to establish whether there were any differences between support group attendances, gender and stress levels of PLWHAS. A t-test for equality of means to establish the difference between stress levels by gender yielded a two-tailed - level of 0.051, which is not significant at a 0.05 level of significance. The study concluded that there is no difference in stress levels by gender. Both men and women go through stress; therefore, it is important for them to undergo counselling. This can be done through empowering community-based care programmes. Mass education and campaign using media, barazas and churches should be carried out on the rights and privileges of PLWHAS as a first step to recognise PLWHAS as human beings deserving respect and dignity.