The name is absent

writing the diaries diverted them away from these activities. The cash incentive was
therefore provided to recompense them for their time. Participants were also given
copies of the photographs they had taken, which for many was considered important,
especially when they had taken pictures of family and friends. There were also were
times when I helped out by giving people lifts to the clinic and occasionally providing
food. Whilst the ethics of these actions may be considered contentious, I was clearly
in a position in which I could provide such help and I would argue that the ethics of
doing nothing in such a situation are morally dubious.

Another form of support identified as a result of the diaries concerned the role
of the HBC workers. HBC workers reported that because they were involved in
monitoring the diaries, they visited households and helped them with respite care and
support more frequently than would have otherwise been the case. They also reported
that they were more aware of, and thus able to respond more fully to the needs of the
ill person and the carer.

Conclusion

This paper has argued that when used in conjunction with other qualitative methods,
solicited text and photo diaries can elicit in-depth and sensitive information on the
emotional impacts of HIV/AIDS. Whilst the findings are in no way intended to be
generalised to a wider population, they clearly indicate that living with long-term and
stigmatised illness can play a central role in shaping people’s identity, self-worth and
well-being. From a policy perspective, such findings clearly indicate the need for the
development of locally appropriate counselling services which address the emotional
and psychological impacts of living with chronic illness, as well as encourage HIV
testing, disclosure and support to reduce stigma and delay the onset of AIDS-related

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