The Sepo Study I in Zambia – The Experience of People with Disabilities also Living with HIV, 2009-2011
Overview:
This project is a joint venture between the International Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation (ICDR) in Canada, HEARD in South Africa and Disability, HIV and AIDS Trust (DHAT) a regional Disabled People’s Organisation in southern Africa. Led by Dr Stephanie Nixon from ICDR, the project looks into the experiences of people with disabilities who are also HIV positive in Zambia.
Objectives:
To explore experiences and perceptions of stakeholders in Zambia regarding health equity issues related to HIV care and treatment for people with disabilities who are HIV-positive.
Methodological Approach:
This qualitative, interpretive study involves in-depth semi-structured, one-on-one interviews with two groups of participants in Lusaka, Zambia: 21 people with disabilities who had become HIV-positive, and 11 people working in HIV and/or disability. Participants with disabilities have physical, hearing, visual and/or intellectual impairments. Interviews are conducted in English, Nyanja, Bemba or Zambian sign language. Descriptive and thematic analyses are conducted by a multidisciplinary, international research team.