The role of HIV social research in the response efforts to the HIV epidemic in Papua new Guinea
Kelly, A.
Papua and new Guinea Medical Journal 52(1-2): 35-43
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-1480 PMID: 21125989 Document Number: 537466
The underpinning of social research is that people and communities are social beings. Social research thus offers both qualitative and quantitative ways of measuring, describing, explaining and predicting social life. In this paper I explore the role of this paradigm in addressing the HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) epidemic in Papua New Guinea. Specifically I address the value of social research in its ability to ask different questions in and of the epidemic, to increase understanding of the cultural dimensions of HIV infection, including its treatment, and to respond to the changing needs of communities and individuals as a result of changing applications of HIV technology such as HIV testing, as evidenced by provider-initiated counselling and testing. In conclusion I argue that together in partnership both social and biomedical research and their application have the power to change the way that care is provided for the citizens of Papua New Guinea.