Abstract

The purpose of the present research was to examine existing HIV counseling practices, counselors’ experiences of providing counseling, and the process of behavior change among clients in the context of Targeted Interventions (TI) in Gujarat. The study employed the constructivist grounded theory methodology. With a theoretical sampling, 14 counselors were interviewed and counseling records were reviewed and analyzed. After primary analysis of interviews, five counselors were selected for participant observation of counseling sessions. Total 24 counseling sessions (including up to four follow-up sessions of the same client) were observed. Data were analyzed using grounded theory techniques. The study revealed that HIV counseling represents a combination of client-centered and solution focused orientations that encompass culturally grounded practices that inform the counseling process and yield behavior change in clients. Counselors’ experiences are constructed through various influences such as training, peers, nature of TI program, and the organization’s environment in the cultural context. Overall the counseling process reveals the values and practices reflective of the Indian culture, at the same time raising the issue of ‘good’ versus ‘best’ practice. It is thus necessary to create a framework that is not only sensitive to cultural sensibilities, but also ensures that the process does not violate ethical principles. The constructivist grounded theory of HIV counseling practice that has emerged from the study represents culturally grounded counseling practices, HIV counseling process, and behavior change in clients. 

Bio-Sketch:

Dr. Apurva kumar Pandya is a post-graduate in Clinical Pscyhology and doctorate from the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Mahraja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat. His doctoral research was on “HIV Counselling Practices in Targeted Interventions” using Constructivist Grounded Theory.   

He have 5 years of academic experience as UGC Research Fellow and more than 5 years of progressively responsible professional work experience in research, training, and management of public programs. Further, He have actively worked with Government, non-government organizations, and UN agencies such as UNICEF, UNCCD. As an emerging young scholar and practitioner, he examine complex socio-cultural structures that influence and govern health behavior using scientist-practitioner model as a methodological approach. His career objective is to become a behavioral scientist, and abled practicing academician to bridge the gap between theory and practice.   

At present, He is engaged as a Manager – Grants Implementation with ChildFund International leading the project operations in Udaipur. His role is to provide leadership to multi-state projects for effective implementation in the field and document best-practices. His major engagement is in preparing budgets, detailed implementation plan, preparing standard operating procedures (SOPs), strengthening the capacity of the team, and liasoning with stakeholders. One of the key responsibility is to create model projects keeping in mind ChildFund’s Theory of Change (ToC) in the thematic areas of (1) health & nutrition, (2) early childhood development, (3) early education - literacy skills, and (4) productive youth participation.   

Earlier, He was engaged with the same organization in the capacity of Training and Documentation Officer. The key job responsibilities included developing training resources, organizing & facilitating workshops, documenting best practices, and moderating community of practice (COP) group consisting more than 60 team members across 14 States. In previous job with UNICEF-Gujarat as a State Consultant, He was engaged in developing standard operating procedures for developing State Child Protection Plan, preparing State IEC plan, and strengthening the State & District team. he have participated in designing State Life Skills Education Module as well as facilitated series of trainings in the Gujarat and other States.