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HIV/AIDS in the Slums of Kenya: Intervening Through Effectively Utilizing Volunteers

Patterson, Hannah L (2012) HIV/AIDS in the Slums of Kenya: Intervening Through Effectively Utilizing Volunteers. Master's Thesis, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

HIV/AIDS affects millions of people globally and has significantly impacted public health for decades. In Kenya, the effects of HIV/AIDS are widespread, but slum areas have an adult HIV prevalence rate twice as high as the national rate. Slums are characterized by scarce resources, making HIV prevention efforts extremely challenging. Many believe that the voluntary sector is best suited for the role of spearheading efforts to address HIV/AIDS through prevention programs. International volunteerism is growing in popularity, but the various projects that volunteers work on are sustainable and impactful only if the volunteers are properly trained. To examine this process, the author travelled to Kenya to work with Fadhili Community, a local NGO involved in HIV/AIDS prevention programs within Kibera and other slums. The objectives of this research study were to assess current volunteer HIV/AIDS programs, determine gaps in knowledge and skills among volunteers, and develop an HIV/AIDS training manual for incoming volunteers. The author, utilizing participant observation, visited eight
volunteer HIV/AIDS programs in different regions of Kenya to assess them for organizational capacity to utilize volunteers. The author discovered widespread assumptions prevalent among HIV programs and international volunteers that prevented effective utilization of volunteers. To address the gaps in knowledge common among volunteers and to address the expectations of HIV programs, the author created and introduced a HIV/AIDS manual to Fadhili Community
volunteers. Educating and training international volunteers in a concise yet effective way will positively impact HIV/AIDS programs in Kibera.


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Details

Item Type: University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Patterson, Hannah Lhp296305@gmail.com
ETD Committee:
TitleMemberEmail AddressPitt UsernameORCID
Thesis AdvisorTerry, Martha Amaterry@pitt.eduMATERRY
Committee MemberKeane, Christopher Rcrkcity@pitt.eduCRKCITY
Committee MemberBunker, Clareann Hbunkerc@pitt.eduBUNKERC
Date: 30 January 2012
Date Type: Completion
Defense Date: 28 November 2011
Approval Date: 30 January 2012
Submission Date: 13 December 2011
Access Restriction: No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately.
Number of Pages: 70
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: School of Public Health > Behavioral and Community Health Sciences
Degree: MPH - Master of Public Health
Thesis Type: Master's Thesis
Refereed: Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords: HIV/AIDS, volunteer, Kenya, Kibera, slum
Date Deposited: 30 Jan 2012 18:50
Last Modified: 15 Nov 2016 13:55
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/10936

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  • HIV/AIDS in the Slums of Kenya: Intervening Through Effectively Utilizing Volunteers. (deposited 30 Jan 2012 18:50) [Currently Displayed]

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