HIV/AIDS and the family: a review of research in the first decade

Abstract

Most studies of the psychosocial implications of HIV/AIDS have been focused on the individual. This paper reviews the small but growing body of research into the impact of HIV/AIDS on the family system. Special reference is made to definitions of the family, same‐sex relationships and the African family. The impact of HIV/AIDS on the family is discussed in terms of social stigma, isolation and secrecy, stress and coping, social support, communication and disclosure, responses to illness, and changing structure and roles in families. It is anticipated that in the 1990s, the study of the family will become a dominant topic in HIV/AIDS‐related research.

Understanding Family Support for People Living with HIV/AIDS in Yunnan, China

“…In Chinese culture, it is socially acceptable to treat people of low moral status disrespectfully and sometimes even discriminatorily. Consistent with previous research findings from other countries (Bor et al, 1993;Songwathana and Manderson, 2001), most Chinese families living with HIV experienced shame both within and outside of their families. During difficult times, it becomes particularly important for families to stay close and to help and support each other.…”

“…Past research has demonstrated that HIV/AIDS is a family disease: When one member of the family has HIV/AIDS, the impact radiates through the entire family (Bor et al, 1993;Pequegnat et al, 2001;Rotheram-Borus and Lightfoot, 2000). When facing hardship related to HIV/AIDS, a strong and supportive family is one of the first lines of defence.…”

“…Previous studies have demonstrated that when one member of the family has HIV/AIDS, the whole family feels the impact (Bor et al, 1993;Pequegnat et al, 2001;Rotheram-Borus and Lightfoot, 2000). The impact usually shows in many different aspects.…”

“…Given the potential risk of a HIV/AIDS pandemic in China (The U.N. Theme Group on HIV/AIDS in China, 2002), and the important role families play in the life of PLHA, the need to study families living with HIV is clearly presented. A good understanding of the role of families in the lives of PLHA can better inform the design of an HIV-related intervention, and also make existing programs become more accessible to the targeted population (Bor et al, 1993).…”

“…Bor et al (1993) suggested that when parents are too sick to take care of children themselves, the grandparents usually become the primary caregiver for their grandchildren. In Thailand, as well as many other countries, families affected by HIV/AIDS provide psychological and economic support to their infected family members (Manopaiboon et al, 1998).…”