Living with HIV : enhancing social workers' awareness, skills and approaches

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the characteristics of persons with HIV in Malta and elsewhere to develop a model for the social work role with such a population. A literature review on the subject highlighted the main issues related to HIV, the impact of HIV, and the potential roles of social work interventions with persons having HIV. Nine persons with HIV completed a self-administered questionnaire developed for this study. The results of this questionnaire showed that participants, although corning from different backgrounds, had common characteristic needs resulting from their HIV infection. HIV had a significant impact on participants. In general, participants reported positive overall well-being, but depression and loneliness were common. Family support was found to be more significant than support from friends. With the exception of one participant, none of the participants had used a social work service since their HIV infection. The one participant who had used a social work service reported a positive outcome. At the same time, all participants were of the opinion that a social work service for persons with HIV should be developed in Malta, and identified various needs for which they would use such a service. The results of the questionnaires are discussed and a number of recommendations are included at the end of this study, highlighting the need for training, and possible ways of developing effective social work services to meet the needs of persons with HIV in Malta.