Assessing the psychological well-being of caregivers of people living with HIV/AIDS in Niger Delta region, Nigeria

Abstract

Despite the availability of anti-retroviral drugs and treatment, the care and support of people living with HIV/AIDS has continued to be a major challenge, with greater impact not only on the people living the disease. The burden associated with care often results in high level of stress among caregivers, usually manifesting as anxiety and/or depression. This study assesses the levels of stress among caregivers of people living with HIV/AIDS in Niger Delta region of Nigeria, in order to determine their coping strategies. Between July and December 2008, 322 caregivers of people living with HIV/AIDS attending HIV clinic of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital were randomly assessed for stress (anxiety and depression), using Zung's Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Self-Report Questionnaire (SRQ-20). A total of 293 caregivers comprising 98 (33.4%) males and 195 (66.6%) females were analysed. Mean age of males was 44.0 ± 4.5 years and females was 39.3 ± 4.0 years. The difference in the mean was statistically significant (p<0.001). Of the 293 caregivers, 191 (65.2%) and 115 (39.2%) were scored high on SDS and SRQ-20, respectively (representing the levels of stress). Using SDS groups on SRQ-20 subscales, 134 (45.7%) had anxiety only, 23 (7.8%) depression only, 52 (17.7%) had a mixture of anxiety and depression, while 11 (3.7%) exhibited suicidal tendencies. There is increasing level of stress in caregiving. Therefore, adequate attention must be given to the psychological well-being of caregivers to enable them contribute positively to the care of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Associations between Perceived HIV Stigma and Quality of Life at the Dyadic Lvel: The Actor-Partner Interdependence Model

“…The importance of saving family face and family dignity ensures that not only the HIV infected persons, but also their family members are highly stigmatized in China [17], [18]. Stigmatized caregivers often suffer physical and mental health problems [19], [20], [21], which may lead to impaired quality of life. Research has documented that HIV-related stigma has a negative impact upon quality of life in PLWHAs [22].…”

Assessing Women Caregiving Role to People Living With HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, West Africa

“…This is similar to Allegra (2012) report which asserted that women experienced more burden than men due to their tendency to perform more personal care tasks as primary caregivers and are less likely to obtain formal help. Without appropriate intervention, increased level of burden produces negative consequences which manifest as symptoms of anxiety and depression and induced changes that could lead to heart disease, hypertension, psychological worries, loneliness, increase rate of physiological illness and suppressed immune responses (Abasiubong et al, 2011;Bevans & Sternberg, 2012;Montgomery et al, 2007;NAC & AARP, 2009;Robison, Fortinsky, Kleppinger, Shugrue, & Porter, 2009). According to Takamura and Williams (1998), it is pertinent to perceive caregivers as potential patients and accord them the necessary support as little can be achieved when their well-being is jeopardized.…”

“…The negatives consequences emanate from excessive life stressors which require daily readjustments, which if not may result in interference with performance of rolerelated activities (Thoits, 1986). Excessive caregiving stress could result in physical, social and emotional consequences which manifest as low perception of health status, perceived high stress levels, deep unhappiness, social anxiety, depression and induced changes that could degenerate to heart disease, hypertension, increase rate of physiological illness and suppressed immune responses (Abasiubong et al, 2011;ANON, 2009;Kipp et al, 2006;Kurtz, Kurtz, Given, & Given, 2005;Montgomery, Rowe, & Kosloski, 2007; National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) & AARP, 2009;Zarit, 2004).…”

“…According to Takamura and Williams (1998) in our society, family caregivers often go unnoticed except by those who depend on their care. Similarly, Abasiubong, Bassey, Ogunsemi, and Udobang (2011) asserted that while resolute efforts are made to improve the quality of life of PLWHA in many countries, little or no acknowledgment is given to the supportive role of caregivers or the effect the role is having on them. Habid and Rahman (2010) reported that family caregivers are physically, psychologically and socially disabled due to caring for PLWHA.…”

“…high stress levels, deep unhappiness, social anxiety, depression and induced changes that could degenerate to heart disease, hypertension, increase rate of physiological illness and suppressed immune responses (Abasiubong et al, 2011;ANON, 2009;Kipp et al, 2006;Kurtz, Kurtz, Given, & Given, 2005; Montgomery, Rowe, & Kosloski, 2007; National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) & AARP, 2009; Zarit, 2004).…”