The purpose of this study was to determine how pain in PLHIV on community home
based care programme was managed using the Roy adaptation model (RAM) as the
theoretical framework.
This study used a descriptive mixed method research design which allowed for the
research topic to be investigated and described in terms of both narrative qualitative
accounts and descriptive statistics. A sequential exploratory approach was adopted in
which qualitative data collection was conducted in the initial phase followed by
quantitative data collection. Ten qualitative interviews, guided by the components of the
RAM were conducted in the initial phase and a structured interview schedule
(questionnaire) partially based on the result of the qualitative phase and (which was
also structured in accordance with the RAM) was administered to 120 respondents who
met the inclusion criteria of being on CHBC. Convenience sampling was used to select
study participants and respondents in both phases of the study.
Peripheral neuropathy was the most common pain syndrome experienced by patients.
More females suffered numbness/tingling sensation of toes, followed by chest pains
than their male counterparts. Pain experienced was moderate to severe which was not
treated effectively.
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The study findings could assist health care providers, policy makers and researchers to
invest into improving pain management for PLHIV, strengthen education of patients and
their primary caregivers on the causes of pain and modalities to employ for pain relief
and implement palliative care guidelines for PLHIV.