The psychosocial impact of caregiving on the family caregivers of chronically ill AIDS and/or HIV patients in home-based care: A qualitative study in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Background: The family caregiver has a pivotal role to play in the management of the chronically ill HIV and/or AIDS patients. The wellbeing of caregivers is therefore crucial because impairment of their physical or mental health could impact negatively on the management of their HIV-positive family member. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the psychosocial impact of caregiving on the family caregiver of the chronically ill HIV and/or AIDS patients in home-based care.Method: Unstructured interviews were conducted with 11 caregivers recruited at an adult HIV clinic at United Bulawayo Hospitals, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Relevant demographic information was collected from each participant. The interviews were then transcribed and analysed.Results: Caregivers’ biggest challenge was meeting care costs such as food, transport and medical costs. Certain conditions relating to the care-recipient’s health and family issues, such as abandonment of the ill patient as well as that of orphans, added to the burden of care. Carers also had to deal with their own health and physical problems. All the above resulted in a spectrum of emotions such as helplessness, sadness, anxiety and anger. Despite this, caregivers also reported on the positive aspects regarding their caregiving role.Conclusion: There were both negative and positive psychosocial experiences by caregivers of HIV and/or AIDS patients. The study highlighted practical areas where support could be provided.

Exploring the experiences of family caregivers with people with drug-resistant tuberculosis

“…The research results have revealed that research respondents were rejected, excluded, ill-treated, stigmatised, and discriminated by not only in the community but also by family members and healthcare practitioners. These findings are consistent with experiences of caregivers of people living with other chronic illnesses (Kohli et al, 2012;Van Deventer & Wright, 2017;Ilja et al, 2017). These results further highlighted the lack of knowledge and disregard for the basic human rights of all citizens as enshrined in the South African Constitution.…”

Caregivers’ Experiences with Caring for a Child Living with HIV/AIDS: A Qualitative Study in Northern Ghana

“…Reactions to the caregiver’s child status were tied to the discovery of diagnosis and prior knowledge of the parental diagnosis. The findings are consistent with earlier studies that revealed anxiety and sadness in Zimbabwe, 41 isolation and even suicidal ideation in South Africa 21 and among others 3,22,42 in Africa where especially female caregivers intimated guilt, shame, crying among others as their reactions. This similarity is because of the importance and love attached to having a child, especially in African culture.…”

Family members’ lived experiences of non-compliance to psychiatric medication given to female adults living with depression

“…The impact of caregiving on the well-being of family members has been studied in different communities across the world (Van Deventer & Wright 2017 :2–7). Swaroop et al ( 2013 :30) established that caregiving can be an emotionally and physically draining experience for family members.…”