Document 2412
 DOCN  M94A2412
 TI    Traditional healers and PWA support groups: filling the gap in Kampala,
       Uganda.
 DT    9412
 AU    Lattu K; King R; Ssemyalo C; Namangi F; Kasolo S; Kabatesi D; Homsy J;
       THEWA Project, Kampala, Uganda.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):31 (abstract no. 096D). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370163
 AB    OBJECTIVES: Collaborating with Traditional Healers (THs) trained in
       basic counselling to establish client support groups that: 1) build
       non-family social and support networks for client PWAs; 2) improve TH
       and community understanding of PWAs' special needs; 3) confront social
       stigmas against PWAs and 4) learn from individual member experiences
       within the group and through their interaction with the TH. METHODS:
       Brainstorming for ideas with THs, their clients and other community
       members generated roles for support groups by defining issues and
       concerns of PWAs. Projects and training of the support groups addressed
       these issues and empowered client PWAs by teaching new skills (project
       planning, local resource identification etc.), income generation, and
       AIDS facts with information about positive living. General meetings and
       training were evaluated regularly and provided a conduit for member
       feedback. RESULTS: After 6 months, PWAs together with THs have formed 3
       support groups, started drama performances that educate the community
       about HIV/AIDS, begun income generating projects, invited guest
       speakers, and initiated other learning programs that creatively address
       members' needs and interests. All these activities were achieved without
       any external funding. Evaluations helped members adapt programs to meet
       changing expectations of the group. Continued attendance and feedback
       from PWAs indicated a sense of peer-support and accomplishment from
       involvement with the groups. LESSONS LEARNED: THs can transfer basic
       counselling skills and facts about AIDS to clients, enable peer-support
       and self-reliance to take root among PWAs. Introduction of support
       groups through the THs is a significant new approach that fills the gap
       remaining in PWAs' lives in our treatment-biased health care system.
       Enthusiastic responses by THs, PWAs and community members suggest
       support groups can be an invaluable community-based service. Thus,
       successes, suggestions and experiences learned from these first support
       groups will be incorporated into ongoing healer-to-healer training.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*PSYCHOLOGY  *Counseling  Health
       Education/METHODS  Health Resources  Human  *Medicine, African
       Traditional  Peer Group  Psychodrama  Public Relations  *Social Support
       Uganda  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).