Surviving Overwhelming Challenges: Family Caregivers’ Lived Experience of Caring for a Child Diagnosed with HIV and Enrolled in Antiretroviral Treatment in Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Family caregivers play a critical role in caring for children living with HIV;

Residential Care Directors’ Perceptions of Desirable Characteristics of Caregivers for Orphaned and Separated Children

“…The finding that religion has a role in good caregiving is consistent with prior literature (Biru et al 2015). The role of religion in these residential care centers may not be surprising given that they are located in countries with a low percentage of the population unaffiliated with religion; in India (Nagaland and Hyderabad), Ethiopia, and Kenya; the unaffiliated percentages are: <0.1%, <0.1%, and 2.5%, respectively (Pew Research Center 2012).…”

“…The in-depth qualitative interview guide asked about the characteristics, including the personal qualities and attitudes of effective caregivers in a demanding environment from the director's perspective. The interview guide also asked about how caregivers' religion may or may not affect caregiving; this was included based on the study's funder's interest in the role of religion and on published articles highlighting the role of religion in caregiving (Biru et al 2015 All of the interviews were audiotaped and conducted in the participant's language. Interviews took an average of 1 hour.…”

“…Despite literature on the demanding and stressful nature of caregiving, there is little information from a strengths-based perspective, such as the characteristics that caregivers need to deliver effective care. The few studies that highlight desirable caregiver characteristics focus on caregivers who take care of their own family members (Kidman, & Thurman;Biru et al 2015). One study conducted in Ethiopia showed that committed family caregivers of orphans relied on their belief in God and support from health workers to get through the challenges they faced (Biru et al 2015).…”

“…The few studies that highlight desirable caregiver characteristics focus on caregivers who take care of their own family members (Kidman, & Thurman;Biru et al 2015). One study conducted in Ethiopia showed that committed family caregivers of orphans relied on their belief in God and support from health workers to get through the challenges they faced (Biru et al 2015). While addressing the burden of caregiving is important, previous literature has left a gap when it comes to discussing the characteristics of residential caregivers that help them support children.…”

Caregiver-reported antiretroviral therapy non-adherence during the first week and after a month of treatment initiation among children diagnosed with HIV in Ethiopia

“…Existing stigma and discrimination against people with HIV in the studied areas (Biru, et al 2015) could be a contributing factor, as caregivers may not attend their nearby HIV clinic for fear of stigma and discrimination. This in turn may lead to missed appointments or failure to collect new medication (Reda & Biadgilign, 2012).…”