Prevention of mother to child transmission lay counsellors: Are they adequately trained?

• Main Authors: Catherine H. Thurling, Candice Harris
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: AOSIS 2012-05-01
• Series: Curationis
• Subjects: lay counsellors; prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV and AIDS; task shifting; curricula
• Online Access: http://www.curationis.org.za/index.php/curationis/article/view/64
• ISSN: 0379-8577; 2223-6279

South Africa’s high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected women requires a comprehensive health care approach to pregnancy because of the added risk of their HIV status. As a result of the shortage of health care workers in South Africa, lay counsellors play important roles in the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT).<p>There is no standardization of training of lay counsellors in South Africa, and training varies in length depending on the training organisation.</p><p>The study aimed to investigate the training of lay counsellors by analysing their training curricula and interviewing lay counsellors about their perceptions of their training.</p><p>A two phase research method was applied. Phase one documented an analysis of the training curricula. Phase two was semi-structured interviews with the participants. Purposive sampling was undertaken for this study. The total sample size was 13 people, with a final sample of 9 participants, determined at the point of data saturation.</p><p>The research was qualitative, descriptive and contextual in design. The curricula analysed had different styles of delivery, and the approaches to learning and courses varied, resulting in inconsistent training outcomes. A need for supervision and mentorship in the working environment was also noted.</p><p>The training of lay counsellors needs to be adapted to meet the extended roles that they are playing in PMTCT. The standardization of training programmes, and the incorporation of a system of mentorship in the work environment, would ensure that the lay counsellors are adequately prepared for their role in PMTCT.</p>