Assessing the Role of Community Care Coalition in Providing Psychosocial Support to HIV/AIDS Infected and Affected People

Abstract Communities have their own means of managing crisis during time of difficulties and local networks like community care coalition plays prominent role in addressing basic needs of members of the community and HIV/AIDS infected people. HIV/AIDS affects all dimensions of person’s life and providing psychosocial support can help the infected people and their families to cope up effectively with each stage of the infection. In light of this, the main objective of this study was to examine and evaluate the role of Community Care Coalitions (CCCs) in providing psychosocial supports to people infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. The research design employed was both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Participants were selected using both probability and non probability sampling techniques. Survey questionnaires, FGD, and key informant interviews were used. The reliability of the survey questions was checked with Cronbach’s alpha and measures of equivalence item analysis methods in pilot testing. The content validity of the items was also checked by the inter judge raters. Data obtained from survey questionnaires was analyzed quantitatively using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically in line with key elements of care and support to PLWHA and vulnerable groups. The finding indicates psychosocial support for PLWHA and their families is found to be very essential. The role of such community based care and support networks also play paramount significance in addressing the need of these target groups. The provision of psychosocial support as one separate care and support package within CCCs, creat