A Model to Facilitate the Integration of Indigenous Knowledge System in the Management of HIV & AIDS within a Primary Health Care Context in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Document Abstract / Summary Overview

Indigenous health practices have been in existence since the dawn of civilization, and the inception of western medical practices has created a divide between these health systems. This study focused on the development of a model that could facilitate the integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (llZS) in managing HIV & AIDS within a primary healthcare (PHC) context. The researcher affirms Capers (1992:19) notion that indigenous and western healthcare knowledge systems will continually be in existence and will always move parallel to one another until the two systems converge to collaborate on knowledge sharing for the benefit of both consumers of health and health practitioners. The purpose of this study was to develop a model to facilitate the integration of ll(S in the management of HIV & AIDS within the PHC context in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The objectives of this study were to: '1- Explore and describe views and perceptions of stakeholders regarding the integration of IKS in the management of HIV & AIDS, in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. '1- Conceptualize a framework related to cunent dialogue about the integration of ll(S in the management ofHIV & AIDS within the PHC setting. '1- Develop a model to facilitate the integration of IKS in the management of HIV & AIDS within the PHC context in South Africa. In this study, an explorative, descriptive and contextual qualitative design was used in order for the researcher to gather more information that would be appropriate and necessary to support the development of the model which will facilitate the integration of IKS in the management of HIV & AIDS within a PHC context in the Vhembe District of the Limpopo Province. The population includes stakeholders (llZS practitioners, and healthcare professionals) who embody deeper concerns regarding the integrative approach to health and illness behaviour.