Christian Doctrine and Behavioral Modification of Those Infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A Case Study of Perpetual Help Foundation, Nong Bua Lam Phu Province

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative case-study research was to study the behavior modification through Christian doctrine of people living with HIV, focusing on a case study of the Perpetual Help Foundation in Nong Bua Lam Phu Province. Key informants with specific qualifications, consisted of one priest, one nun, three staff members, and six people living with HIV. The research was conducted with in-depth interviews and non-participant observations. It was found that Christian doctrine, particularly in Roman Catholicism, helps people with HIV change their behavior for the better by cultivating a strong mind and solving problems with increased awareness. People with HIV themselves also play an important role in helping others with HIV. Discipline in treatment and taking medication regularly enables them to analyze things on their own by not looking down on themselves as well as returning to loving themselves more and being a good example to others. Also, a sense of social responsibility reduces the transmission of infection to the people around us. When people with HIV are desperate, discouraged, and shunned by society, the fact that they are cared for by the foundation as if they were living together as a family means that there is a part to fill in what is missing and to create value in human beings.