BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection impacts not only upon the physical health of affected children, but also their psychosocial functions, family relationships and economical status. Caregivers are confronted with complex challenges related to the physical, emotional and financial demands of raising these children. The purpose of this study was to enhance our understanding of the impact of HIV disease on both children's and caregivers' well-being, using a qualitative inquiry approach. METHODS: A total of 35 primary caregivers of HIV-infected children participated in in-depth interviews. The issues discussed included the major negative impacts on children's daily functioning and well-being, and the perceived caregiver/parental burden. Participants included parents (40%), grandparents (22.8%), other relatives (e.g. uncles, aunts) (34.3%) and one foster parent (2.8%). RESULTS: Qualitative analysis revealed that the major negative impacts of HIV/AIDS included physical symptoms, school performance and relationship changes. The major negative impacts on caregivers' well-being included acceptance of the diagnosis, dealing with the financial burden and keeping the diagnosis private. CONCLUSIONS: Approaches are needed to address these challenges by enhancing families' coping skills and building supportive networks.
BACKGROUND:Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection impacts not only upon the physical health of affected children, but also their psychosocial functions, family relationships and economical status. Caregivers are confronted with complex challenges related to the physical, emotional and financial demands of raising these children. The purpose of this study was to enhance our understanding of the impact of HIV disease on both children's and caregivers' well-being, using a qualitative inquiry approach. METHODS: A total of 35 primary caregivers of HIV-infectedchildren participated in in-depth interviews. The issues discussed included the major negative impacts on children's daily functioning and well-being, and the perceived caregiver/parental burden. Participants included parents (40%), grandparents (22.8%), other relatives (e.g. uncles, aunts) (34.3%) and one foster parent (2.8%). RESULTS: Qualitative analysis revealed that the major negative impacts of HIV/AIDS included physical symptoms, school performance and relationship changes. The major negative impacts on caregivers' well-being included acceptance of the diagnosis, dealing with the financial burden and keeping the diagnosis private. CONCLUSIONS: Approaches are needed to address these challenges by enhancing families' coping skills and building supportive networks.
Authors: A K Nkwata; S K Zalwango; F N Kizza; J N Sekandi; J Mutanga; M Zhang; P M Musoke; A E Ezeamama Journal: Qual Life Res Date: 2017-05-22 Impact factor: 4.147
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Authors: Gulzar H Shah; Gina D Etheredge; Lievain Maluantesa; Kristie C Waterfield; Osaremhen Ikhile; Elodie Engetele; Astrid Mulenga; Alice Tabala; Bernard Bossiky Journal: Front Public Health Date: 2022-10-03
Authors: Fatch W Kalembo; Garth E Kendall; Mohammed Ali; Angela F Chimwaza; Mary M Tallon Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2018-07-16 Impact factor: 3.295