Psychosocial Support for People Living with HIV/ AIDS in Selected Faith Based Organizations in Bonga town: The case of MekaneYesus and Genet Church

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to explore the psychosocial support service among people living with HIV/AIDS in selected faith based organizations in Bonga town. The study was carried out at MekaneYesus and Genet Church. The study employed qualitative research method such as direct observation and interviewing to investigate the psychosocial conditions of people living with HIV/AIDS in selected faith based organizations in Bonga town. A total of 8 PLWHA, 2 facilitators from bothfaith based organizations (1 participant from each of the organizations) and 2 respondents from concerned government bodies were selected purposively as a sample for the data collection. Semi- structured interview which consist of different topics and open ended questions were developed to assess participant’s belief about their situation. The relevant information obtained from study participants were analyzed and interpreted in line with the research key objectives. Both MekaneYesus and Genet churches had a great role in providing psychological support like individual counseling,life skill training and group counseling about living positively with HIV/AIDS to PLWHA and on the ways of how to protect themselves as well as those people around them. Based on the findings various recommendations were raised to policy makers, to donors, to government, to faith based organizations, and to future researchers