beskrywing van gesondheidsorgdiens wat aan miv-blootgestelde

SUMMARY
This study was conducted to describe the type of health service rendered by professional nurses to
HIV exposed and HIV positive children in the public health care setting of the Free State province.
Three objectives were set to achieve this, namely: to describe the type of service rendered to HIV
exposed and HIV positive children by professional nurses in the Free State; to determine to what
degree national and provincial guidelines are implemented in the management of HIV exposed and
HIV positive children in the Free State; and to use the findings to make recommendations for
effective service delivery to HIV exposed and HIV positive children.
The researcher made use of a quantitative descriptive design to achieve the aim of the study. Data
was gathered by means of structured interviews. Professional nurses, who deliver a service to
children within public health care facilities, and who met the inclusion criteria, were approached to
participate in the study.
Data obtained showed that treatment components with regard to HIV exposed and HIV positive
children were mainly rendered at primary health care facilities. In contrast herewith, it was found
that treatment components in the pediatric sections of hospitals were not implemented to the same
degree. Research further reflected a need for professional nurses to undergo additional training
regarding the correct management of HIV affected children.
Discrepancies pertaining to effective service delivery to HIV exposed and HIV positive children
were also revealed. Suggestions were made with regard to approaches which could enhance
service delivery. A subsequent research project regarding the quality of service which is presently
being offered to HIV exposed and HIV positive children in the public health care sector of the Free
State, could be of great value.
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