The psychosocial impact of care-giving on the family caregivers of chronically ill AIDS/HIV patients in home based care

Abstract

The family care-giver has a pivotal role to play in the management of the chronically ill HIV/AIDS patient. The well being of the care giver is therefore crucial since impairment of their physical or mental health could impact negatively on the management of the HIV patients. Aim The purpose of this qualitative study was to find out the psychosocial impact of care-giving on the family care-giver of the chronically ill HIV/AIDS patient in home based care. Methodology In-depth, tape recorded, unstructured interviews were conducted on eleven care-givers recruited at an adult HIV clinic at United Bulawayo Hospitals, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Relevant demographic data was collected from each participant. The interviews were then transcribed before analysis of the data was done. Results The care-givers biggest challenge was meeting care costs such as food, transport and medical expenses. Certain conditions relating to the care-recipients‟ health and family issues such as abandonment of the ill patient and orphans added to the burden of care. Carers also had health and physical factors that impacted on their psychosocial well being. All these issues resulted in a spectrum of emotions such as helplessness, sadness, anxiety and anger but despite this the carers still reported on positive aspects of their care-giving role. Conclusion Care-giving impacted negatively on the care-givers‟ psychosocial well being but there were also positive aspects to the role.