Positive Self Management

SUPPORTING THOSE AFFECTED BY HIV

Body Positive North West has recently concluded a study in conjunction

with the National Primary Care Research and development centre of the

University of Manchester, into the effectiveness of the centre’s Positive

Self-management programmes. The research specifically focused on

whether African HIV positive clients living in the UK can successfully

translate the principles of PSM, which were developed for a Western

audience, to their benefit.

The Positive Self-Management course was developed in the USA for

people with HIV status and places a high emphasis on the understanding of

self-efficacy and taking on individual responsibility for managing illness.

Following an ethnographic observational study in 2005/6 Body Positive

undertook a further study on how an anglicised version of the course

delivered by a voluntary organisation was received by those with HIV.

This research (2006/7) included a number of refugee people and people

seeking asylum originating from the sub-Sahara who joined the group

alongside gay men with a similar status.

The findings of the research identified that those from Sub Sahara

articulated norms and values which differed significantly from the

philosophy of individualism which is underlying in the PSMP. Participants

also identified more urgent social problems and need for welfare and

social support which the course did not cover. The research suggests that

these two factors help explain why learning self-management skills are not

seen as a priority for this cohort of people managing their HIV status.

Alternative benefits of the course which were highlighted included the

sharing of experiences and vocalising the plight and problems of asylum

seekers to others. The group acted as a ‘surrogate’ family; and hosting the

course in a supportive and campaigning voluntary sector organisation

allowed the participants to get expert help on their social problems and

have a physical venue where they could continue meeting and supporting

each other after the course had ended. The study highlights the

importance of understanding public health and self care support

innovation in the context of the needs, identities and social position of the

different groups being addressed and in particular disadvantaged and

marginalised groups.

Department of Health evaluation data has found that the programme

provides significant numbers of people with long term conditions with the

confidence and skills to better manage their condition on a daily basis,

reducing reliance on healthcare services. Body Positive has delivered the

programme since 2004 and is one of only three organisations nationally

working in partnership with the Department of Health to deliver the HIV

specific seven week PSM programme.

For information on the vast array courses available please contact Jacqie 0161 882 2200.