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5.1 Introduction
CHAPTER FIVE
DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
The discussions of the findings are presented using the four levels of the ecological systems
theory (EST): micro (level for volunteer caregivers), meso (level for community), exo (level
for HBCOs) and the macro (the level for the government, NGOs and donors/funders. These
discussions are presented under the following themes that were derived from the research
questions: perceptions of infection control practices by HBCCs/project managers and
volunteer caregivers, how infection control practices were carried out by volunteer
caregivers; resources available for infection control practices; challenges confronted with and
strategies developed to deal with the challenges regarding infection control practices by
volunteer caregivers.
5.2 Perceptions of infection control practices by HBCCs/project managers and
volunteer caregivers
Perceptions in this context refer to the understanding of infection control practices in terms of
care that is provided to PLWHA by volunteer caregivers in HBCOs. Perceptions of infection
control practices by HBCCs/project managers and volunteer caregivers help to understand the
level of care that is provided to PLWHA in HBC programs.
The macro level
The government, NGOs and the donors/funders belong to this level. It is evident from the
findings that, at this level there is a national infection prevention and control policy and
strategy (South African Department of Health [SADoH], 2007). This policy is known by
HBCCs in HBCOs. It guides the volunteer caregivers on infection control practices such as
when and how to wear protective clothing like gloves, masks and aprons. It also guides the
volunteer caregivers on the importance of practicing hygiene and maintaining a clean and
safe environment (SADOH, 2007:6). The findings of this study also show that the
government through the DoH provided training to volunteer caregivers on infection control
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