DESIGN OF THE STUDY
Background
I have adopted a qualitative approach to conduct this research that emphasizes the perspectives of co-researchers or participants giving voice to the multiple realities that exist in their environment and within their cultures (Hanley-Maxwell, Al Hano & Skivington, 2007). I will follow the subjectivist paradigm which honours the knowledge and experiences of clients and counsellors accepting the fact that they have expert knowledge of their realities and the reality of HIV in their communities. I have adopted critical theory within a subjectivist paradigm as critical theory gives voice to the underprivileged grassroots stakeholders who are HIV counsellors and their clients in this study. Horkheimer defines critical …show more content…
NACP’s annual reports (2008 – 2014) have used a range of quantitative data such as numbers of clients counselled and tested; reported use of condoms; and number of ART referrals. This data forms the basis for programme indicators towards targets agreed during programme planning (GoI, 2011a; Unaids, 2014a; Unaids, 2014b). Such data whilst valuable as a means of measure against reaching targets ignores important issues, such as the quality of counselling provided; sustainability of interventions; experience from the client’s point of view; and the implication of HIV counselling services in the wider public health …show more content…
AI is a widely published strength-based approach, informed by positive psychology that recognises the strengths of individuals as part of organisations and the role of individuals in informing and shaping change (Quinney & Richardson, 2014). At its inception, AI was a research discipline focused largely on organisational development, but now it is being used also in health research (Richer, Ritchie & Marchionni, 2009; Carter, 2006). AI is a type of action research that studies the positive aspects of a group when it is working at its very best, in order to imagine and create positive change for the future (Cooperrider & Whitney, 2005). Fundamental to AI is the belief that in every group there is something positive that requires focus and this focus can become a reality through the efforts of people in the organisation (Cooperrider & Whitney, 2005). AI is a participatory research approach that aims to empower participants as partners or co-researchers from the inception of the study. An Indian project named Myrada used AI to facilitate sustainable livelihoods by reinforcing community’s strengths in rural communities of Andhra Pradesh state of India showing the use of AI for empowerment of communities (Ashford & Patkar,
Background
I have adopted a qualitative approach to conduct this research that emphasizes the perspectives of co-researchers or participants giving voice to the multiple realities that exist in their environment and within their cultures (Hanley-Maxwell, Al Hano & Skivington, 2007). I will follow the subjectivist paradigm which honours the knowledge and experiences of clients and counsellors accepting the fact that they have expert knowledge of their realities and the reality of HIV in their communities. I have adopted critical theory within a subjectivist paradigm as critical theory gives voice to the underprivileged grassroots stakeholders who are HIV counsellors and their clients in this study. Horkheimer defines critical …show more content…
NACP’s annual reports (2008 – 2014) have used a range of quantitative data such as numbers of clients counselled and tested; reported use of condoms; and number of ART referrals. This data forms the basis for programme indicators towards targets agreed during programme planning (GoI, 2011a; Unaids, 2014a; Unaids, 2014b). Such data whilst valuable as a means of measure against reaching targets ignores important issues, such as the quality of counselling provided; sustainability of interventions; experience from the client’s point of view; and the implication of HIV counselling services in the wider public health …show more content…
AI is a widely published strength-based approach, informed by positive psychology that recognises the strengths of individuals as part of organisations and the role of individuals in informing and shaping change (Quinney & Richardson, 2014). At its inception, AI was a research discipline focused largely on organisational development, but now it is being used also in health research (Richer, Ritchie & Marchionni, 2009; Carter, 2006). AI is a type of action research that studies the positive aspects of a group when it is working at its very best, in order to imagine and create positive change for the future (Cooperrider & Whitney, 2005). Fundamental to AI is the belief that in every group there is something positive that requires focus and this focus can become a reality through the efforts of people in the organisation (Cooperrider & Whitney, 2005). AI is a participatory research approach that aims to empower participants as partners or co-researchers from the inception of the study. An Indian project named Myrada used AI to facilitate sustainable livelihoods by reinforcing community’s strengths in rural communities of Andhra Pradesh state of India showing the use of AI for empowerment of communities (Ashford & Patkar,