Influence of HIV/AIDS counselling services on the quality of life of church members in selected churches in Nakuru east Sub- County, Kenya

Abstract

Globally and in the continent of Africa HIV/AIDS has become a pandemic that has affected more than 38 million people. The world has responded to this pandemic in many ways including creating counselling services to improve the quality of life. In Nakuru East Sub County churches are increasingly getting involved in HIV/AIDS counselling services to help improve the quality of life of its members. However, no studies have been conducted to assess the influence of HIV/AIDS counselling services on the quality of life of the church members. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of HIV/AIDS counselling services on the quality of life of church members in selected churches in Nakuru East Sub County. This study was guided by crisis theory and humanistic theory. This research adopted an ex Post facto causal comparative research design. The target population of the study was Shabab Africa Inland Church, Nakuru West -Presbyterian Church of East Africa- and Christ the King Cathedral- Catholic Church with a population of five thousand, six hundred and forty three (5643) members. The churches were selected through purposive sampling based on the fact that they had established and running counselling services. A sample of 225 respondents were involved in the study this involved 3 pastors,48 men,110 women,49 youth and 3 counsellors drawn from the three churches. Questionnaires were used to collect data and a pilot study was conducted at Deliverance Church Nakuru. The reliability of questionnaires was estimated by use of Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient where values of the coefficient above 0.70 were accepted. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics such as chi-square, spearman’s rho correlations, Linear by linear association and McNemar Bookers test using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) programme. This study found out that, many people infected and affected still experience various issues that can be addressed by accessing and utilising more counselling services. In addition, many people are not aware of the counselling services available. This study recommends an increase of awareness of the available counselling services in the church and the community. There is a need for the church and government to establish more counselling services to improve the quality of life of the people.