Final published version
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Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - How do caregivers of children living with HIV/AIDS cope, and where do they get support?
T2 - A qualitative study in Ghana
AU - Atanuriba, Gideon Awenabisa
AU - Apiribu, Felix
AU - Laari, Timothy Tienbia
AU - Boamah Bonsu, Adwoa Bemah
AU - Dzomeku, Veronica Millicent
AU - Afaya, Richard Adongo
AU - Salifu, Yakubu
AU - Amooba, Philemon Adoliwine
PY - 2023/4/30
Y1 - 2023/4/30
N2 - BackgroundCaring for children living with human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is challenging and has a tremendous impact on the physical and psychological health of caregivers. Caregivers of children with HIV/AIDS need to adopt coping mechanisms to navigate these complexities as it influences the quality of care provided. The literature on coping strategies and support (formal and informal) available to caregivers of children living with HIV/AIDS is scant. This study aimed to explore the coping strategies and support systems for caregivers of children living with HIV/AIDS.MethodsA phenomenological study design was adopted. A total of nine participants across three hospitals in the Tamale metropolis were interviewed using purposive sampling. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using Colaizzi's approach.ResultsFour main themes emerged from the analyses: (1) coping strategies, (2) types of support activities, (3) support from informal institutions and (4) support from formal institutions. The caregivers navigated the caring process with much spiritual coping. The caregivers had little or no support from informal institutions such as immediate family, faith and community leaders. Non-governmental organizations were not visible in support, and there were no support groups for caregivers.ConclusionSupport for caregivers and the active involvement of the immediate family in paediatric HIV care is imperative.
AB - BackgroundCaring for children living with human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is challenging and has a tremendous impact on the physical and psychological health of caregivers. Caregivers of children with HIV/AIDS need to adopt coping mechanisms to navigate these complexities as it influences the quality of care provided. The literature on coping strategies and support (formal and informal) available to caregivers of children living with HIV/AIDS is scant. This study aimed to explore the coping strategies and support systems for caregivers of children living with HIV/AIDS.MethodsA phenomenological study design was adopted. A total of nine participants across three hospitals in the Tamale metropolis were interviewed using purposive sampling. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using Colaizzi's approach.ResultsFour main themes emerged from the analyses: (1) coping strategies, (2) types of support activities, (3) support from informal institutions and (4) support from formal institutions. The caregivers navigated the caring process with much spiritual coping. The caregivers had little or no support from informal institutions such as immediate family, faith and community leaders. Non-governmental organizations were not visible in support, and there were no support groups for caregivers.ConclusionSupport for caregivers and the active involvement of the immediate family in paediatric HIV care is imperative.
KW - caregivers
KW - children living with HIV/AIDS
KW - coping
KW - support
U2 - 10.1002/lim2.79
DO - 10.1002/lim2.79
M3 - Journal article
VL - 4
JO - Lifestyle Medicine
JF - Lifestyle Medicine
SN - 2688-3740
IS - 2
M1 - e79
ER -