My Position as a researcher in the study

My research report explores the HIV related stigma experiences and perceptions of YPLHIV in Bulawayo (Matabeleland). As an IsiNdebele native speaker, I have a lot in common with my study population, and I see myself as an indigenous-insider. I believe that I have a duty towards the wellbeing and growth of my community especially after having lived, studied and worked most of the time in this region.

My public health studies have introduced me to social behavior change discipline and my humanitarian work experiences have led me to work with key affected populations. My twelve years experience as an advocate in the area o f HIV/AIDS programming gave me an insight into the difficulties and challenges faced by the people living with HIV, particularly YPLHIV. Having experienced the death of several people I knew to AIDS, including my own relatives because of fear, shame, stigma and depression, I became passionate about HIV related issues which gave grounds for my research on social aspects of HIV.

My religious background influences my perspective about HIV. I feel it is a Christian obligation to contribute to the spiritual comfort, emotional wellbeing and happiness of those infected with HIV as they need my love and support. Churches traditionally have always been perceived as haven for refuge.

As a 43-year-old male, interviewing young males living with HIV, an awareness about my position was quite important to enable the respondents to freely share their genuine perspective on the subject. Therefore, I had to ensure they felt free to express whatever they wished to share or not. I engaged the services of a female research assistant to assist me to interview female participants. This proved to be effective because most female participants could easily identify with a female researcher and freely volunteered their life experiences and perceptions of HIV related stigma.

My twelve years of experience working with the people living with HIV prepared me for the experiences o f interviewing YPLHIV. I went into data collection fully cognizant of the sensitive nature o f the subject matter. However, I must admit that I was humbled by the levels o f courage, emotional maturity demonstrated by the young males living with HIV who freely and enthusiastically volunteered their lived experiences o f HIV related stigma. I felt privileged to have been given a rare access to the participants’ social world, to the meanings they attach to them and experiences related to being young people who live with HIV. The exercise was emotionally enriching for me.

Every interview presented a unique situation for me and every interview was a step into unknown territory. What I learnt is that it is important for one to be alert to changes in the dynamic of the interview and in the participants’ demeanor always. I learnt that creating rapport and trust with study participants was key in data collection, before the interview began, and I found it helpful to spend more time trying to put them at ease by having a general discussion before beginning the interview. Taking time over the introductory information about the purpose of the study findings was particularly useful. I assured the participants that I am interested in everyone’s views and experiences, hence there were no right or wrong answers.

When conducting IDIs and FGDs it is highly desirable to audio record the interviews and also to take notes. I was anxious at the beginning of the data collection regarding the audio recording of the IDIs and FGDs. I thought the participants were not going to consent to it or be comfortable with it. What I learnt is that as long as you provide a clear, logical explanation about its value, reassures about confidentiality and clearly explain what will happen to the tapes and transcripts, it is unlikely for a researcher to experience challenges. I also appreciated the fact that one has to be comfortable with the operation of the audio recording equipment, checking that it works before and immediately after the interview and having enough spare batteries on hand is essential. I encountered a minor challenge with the recorder with my first interview. The recorder had a malfunctioning record switch. Thankfully, this did not affect the quality of the interview because I had a spare recorder.

I was taught the basic tenets o f conducting IDIs which openly encourages researchers to summarize interviewee’s responses particularly at the end of each topic to ensure that one has properly captured the views of the participant and also to signal that you are moving to a different topic. However, what I realized is that sometimes it is difficult to capture the full meaning relayed by the participant in a short summary and attempting to do so may seem patronizing to the participant. It also prevents the smooth flow o f the interview.

I am currently working as a National programme officer with Zimbabwe National Network of People living with HIV. This worked in my favour to gain access to the support group members (study population). I am strongly convinced that my familiarity with the study participants enabled IDIs and FGDs to be positive and empowering experiences, for myself and YPLHIV. The participants developed trust and confidence in me hence they were able to comfortably share their lived experiences during IDIs and FGDs. It was a personally enriching experience.