Psychological Well-Being Challenges and Associated Coping Mechanisms of HIV/AIDS Counselors in the Volta Region of Ghana: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study

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BackgroundThe delivery of counselling services remains an integral part in the prevention and treatment continuum of HIV/AIDS. To deliver effective counselling services, the psychological well-being of HIV/AIDS counselors need to be prioritized.AimWe sought to explore the various psychological well-being issues faced by HIV/AIDS counselors in the Volta region of Ghana and the approaches they adopt in addressing these challenges.MethodsA descriptive phenomenological study was conducted among sixteen HIV/AIDS counselors to explore the psychological well-being challenges they face and the coping mechanisms they adopt. The data were thematically analyzed using the Atlas.ti software.ResultsPsychological well-being challenges of HIV/AIDS counselors identified were stress, depression, anxiety and anger. Coping mechanisms, including engaging in recreational and spiritual activities, creating a conducive working environment, being conscious while conducting HIV tests, accepting the nature of their work, and routinely self-testing for HIV were identified. Other mechanisms include motivation from family, assistance from key stakeholders, support from superiors at work, and motivation from clients. Recommended solutions on how to improve the psychological well-being of HIV/AIDS counselors includes education on HIV/AIDS to minimize stigma, assignment of clinical psychologists to counselors, cooperation from clients, employing more HIV/AIDS counselors and providing incentives to counselors.ConclusionTo improve HIV counselling in the Volta region and the country in general, there is a need for the Ghana AIDS Commission and the Ghana Health Service to contextualize and address the psychological well-being challenges of HIV/AIDS counselors in the country, taking into consideration, their proffered mitigation strategies and recommendations.

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