The Management of HIV- and AIDS-Related Pain in a Primary Health Clinic in Tshwane, South Africa

Abstract

Pain has been recognized as an important, highly prevalent, and debilitating symptom of HIV and AIDS. In South Africa, many people living with HIV and AIDS utilize primary health clinics for pain management. Primary health clinics are nurse led and face a variety of challenges pertaining to pain management. The purpose of this study was to explore if HIV and AIDS pain is effectively managed in a primary health clinic in Tshwane, South Africa. The study aimed to explore the level and characteristics of HIV- and AIDS-related pain, the pain-related experiences of patients and if pain was managed according to the applicable guidelines of the Department of Health. A quantitative survey was conducted. The target population was HIV and AIDS patients who had been using the primary health clinic for chronic pain management. The sampling method was convenience (n = 500). Data were gathered by means of structured interviews and structured observation. The data were analyzed using the SSPS 15 program and open coding. The study provided evidence that HIV- and AIDS-related pain is not managed effectively. Despite repeated visits to the primary health clinic, the overwhelming majority of patients still experienced pain. Nurses added to the suffering, because they lacked knowledge of pain and pain management. It is recommended that nurses practicing in primary health clinics should be trained and supervised to effectively manage the pain of people living with HIV and AIDS.