Community Conversation Experiences Regarding HIV/AIDS Awareness and Beyond Awareness in Rural Community of Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

In the context of HIV/AIDS, community conversation is referred to as an interactive process which brings people together and engages them in discussions so that they explore the underlying factors fuelling the HIV epidemic. However, how and to what extent the community conversation programme has raised awareness about HIV/AIDS was not well addressed in Ethiopia. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in December 2013 in three selected zones of Oromia regional state of Ethiopia. A total of 22 in-depth interviews were conducted among purposely selected community conversation members in rural kebeles. The audio-taped data were transcribed verbatim into local language (Afan Oromo) and then translated directly into English. The study used Tesch’s eight-step data analysis method. Translated narrations were reported as spoken by participants. Confidentiality of the participants was kept throughout the study. Result: The study covered the participants’ experience on community conversation regarding HIV/AIDS awareness and beyond awareness. The aspects were divided into sections: (1) schedule of the community conversation sessions, (2) community conversation programme as problem solving, (3) awareness level on HIV/ AIDS, (4) level of misconceptions about HIV/AIDS since the programme started, (5) levels of stigmatisation and discrimination of HIV/AIDS victims after the programme came into action, (6) behavioural changes since the programme started, (7) the role of health extension workers in the programme implementations, and (8) the importance of the coffee ceremony during sessions. Conclusions: The study shows community conversation creates social space for people to reflect on the possibility of more effective response to HIV/AIDS. The programme takes place within a wider social, political and economic context that plays a major role in response to HIV/AIDS. However, efforts are needed for continuous monitoring and evaluation or process evaluation of the CC activities to identify the major weaknesses and strength of the programme.