The support systems offered by the sexual partners of people living with HIV/AIDS: A qualitative study

Introduction: People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) face several stressors. It is important that they get both physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychosocial support. Sexual partners are highly encouraged to offer the needed support, since, disclosure of one's HIV status to a sexual partner can have significant health implications, that are necessary to assist in reaching the goal of an AIDS-free generation. However, little is known about the support systems offered by sexual partners. Aim: The study aimed to explore the support systems offered by the sexual partners of people living with HIV/AIDS at selected primary health care clinics in Mpumalanga. Setting: The study was conducted in three primary health care facilities offering comprehensive HIV care in the Nkangala district, Mpumalanga province South Africa. Methods: The study was qualitative. Purposive sampling was utilized to select 11 patients who were on antiretroviral treatment and receiving care from the selected primary health care facilities. The semi-structured individual interview was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using Tesch's method. Trustworthiness was ensured, and ethical principles were upheld. Results: The study findings revealed three themes describing how PLWHA are supported by their sexual partners to adhere to HIV/AIDS management; The findings show that sexual partners of people living with HIV/AIDS use various support systems to encourage adherence to HIV/AIDS management. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of sexual partners' support systems towards HIV/AIDS management adherence. It is therefore important for health care providers to explore ways in which sexual partners can be encouraged to provide support to their partners.