Table 2 Summary of the thematic findings

Motivation to become an HIV/AIDS counselor

Assigned to the unit

Developed interest in the job

HIV status of a relative

Bad attitude of healthcare providers

Responsibilities as an HIV counselor

Nutritional counseling

Educating clients about HIV

Counseling clients on their treatment and medication.

Comprehensive counseling and testing of clients

Providing social support to clients

Providing financial support for clients

Positive experiences as HIV/AIDS counselor

Improving clients’ health status

Counseling clients to return to a normal psychological state.

Clients’ cooperation and acceptance of their status.

Gaining knowledge on HIV as a counselor

Achieving the delivery of HIV-negative babies by clients

Negative experiences as HIV/AIDS counselor

Denial of HIV- status by clients

Clients defaulting on their treatment

Uncooperative clients

Self-stigmatization by clients

A client died due to a breach of confidentiality.

Myths surrounding HIV transmission