Abstract:
Seventy-eight percent of the sample was female with a mean age of 38 years old. Seventy-eight percent of the participants were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at thetime of the interviews. The perceived role of the FBOs was described by the following themes: 1) rare disclosure due to HIV-related stigma within the FBOs. Higher stigma was attributable to HIV-related preaching focused on abstinence and vigilance of promiscuity. PLWHA were less inclined to disclose HIV status and sought help within the organizations. 2) Insufficient support from the organizations. Regardless of HIV disclosure status, PLWHA felt the support was limited and impractical. 3) Higher social capital led to better HIV health outcomes. PLWHA engaging community-based organizations (CBO) or HIV support groups beyond the FBOs have a higher rate of disclosure and self-efficacy, as well as perceived lower stigma. Summary/Conclusion: FBOs can contribute to care of HIV by providing HIV-specific support such as stigma reduction, promoting HIV testing and ART, bridging people to HIV support groups or CBOs. Instead of providing direct HIV-related services, organizing and linking people to available community services and resources can expand its role as a valuable social capital in HIV care and treatment in resource-limited settings.
