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Globalization and Health
Published in: Globalization and Health 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research

The experiences of caregivers of children living with HIV and AIDS in Uganda: a qualitative study

Authors: Joseph Osafo, Birthe Loa Knizek, James Mugisha, Eugene Kinyanda

Published in: Globalization and Health | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Home-based care for HIV patients is popular in contexts severely affected by the epidemic and exacts a heavy toll on caregivers. This study aimed at understanding the experiences of caregivers and their survival strategies.

Methods

A total of 18 caregivers (3 males and 15 females) were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide, and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results

Analysis suggests that the caregivers are burdened with insecure provisions for food and difficulties in accessing health care. They however survived these strains through managing their relationships, sharing burden with care-recipients, social networks and instrumental spirituality. These findings are discussed under two major themes: 1). Labour of caregiving and 2). Survivalism.

Conclusions

Home-based care presents huge opportunities for community response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in African settings. It is however burdensome and thus should not be left for families alone to shoulder. There is therefore an urgent need for protecting home-based care for HIV children in Uganda. Implications for improving and strengthening social interventions in home-based care of HIV/AIDS in the Ugandan context are addressed.
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Metadata
Title
The experiences of caregivers of children living with HIV and AIDS in Uganda: a qualitative study
Authors
Joseph Osafo
Birthe Loa Knizek
James Mugisha
Eugene Kinyanda
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Globalization and Health / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1744-8603
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-017-0294-9

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