Caregivers of children with HIV/AIDS: quality of life and coping styles.

The purpose of this study was to explore the quality of life and coping styles of caregivers of children with HIV/AIDS and to identify if there were differences between mothers and alternative caregivers in these areas. There were 54 mother-caregivers and 25 alternative caregivers in the study. The alternative caregivers scored significantly higher in each area of quality of life than the mothers, except for physical health. The mothers used passive and emotive coping significantly more than the alternative caregivers. The study concluded that caregivers provide support to children with HIV/AIDS, but they also need physical and emotional support themselves. Nurses must be aware of the importance of providing interventions for these caregivers to improve coping mechanisms, decrease stress, and thereby improve their quality of life.