An occupational therapy income-generation group for HIV-positive women in Uganda: Part 2

Little is known of the occupational therapy interventions available to occupational therapy clients living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the developing world. Part 1 of this article outlined the background literature in this area. Part 2 details a small, interview-based study of ten HIV-positive Ugandan women taking part in such an intervention; an occupational therapy incomegeneration group. The study sought to identify reasons for falling attendance at the group. The study findings reflect both the challenges of being HIV-positive, and the factors influencing women's participation in the group. The women attributed a range of social, emotional and practical benefits to group attendance, relating these to social support and empowerment, as well as opportunities to go beyond the home environment, learn new skills and earn money. The negative aspects of group attendance cited were all interpersonal in nature, relating to conflict with participants' peers and group leaders. This study discusses these findings, and their implications for occupational therapy, concluding that the profession has much to offer clients and that this should be explored further.