Attitude of Lesotho health care workers towards HIV/AIDS and impact of HIV/AIDS on the population structure

JA Belle, SB Ferriera, A Jordaan

Abstract

Background: The impact and management of HIV/AIDS in Lesotho in the context of disaster management was investigated.

Objectives: Lesotho health care workers’ perception on HIV/AIDS progression, whether HIV/AIDS was managed as a disaster, and the impact on the demographic profile was investigated.

Methods: The empirical investigation included a literature study, and primary and secondary data analyses. Questionnaires (n=116) determined health care workers’ perception of HIV/AIDS. Interviews with officers of Lesotho Disaster Management determined how HIV/AIDS was managed as a disaster. National population censuses and data from surveys were summarised to describe the impact of HIV/AIDS on the population structure.

Results: Respondents’ modal age group was 25 to 39 years, 28.4% viewed HIV/AIDS related deaths as very high and perceived that HIV/AIDS changed the age composition, sex and dependency ratio of the population. Although HIV/AIDS was declared a disaster, the Lesotho Disaster Management Authority only aided the National AIDS Commission. There was evidence that HIV/AIDS caused the population pyramid base to shrink, and an indentation in the active population.

Conclusion: Health care workers attributed HIV/AIDS to changing the demographic profile of Lesotho, also reflected in the population pyramid. Lesotho Disaster Management Authority played a supporting role in HIV/AIDS disaster management.

Keywords: Disaster management, HIV/AIDS, Lesotho, population, health care workers