MEN AS CAREGIVERS IN HOME-BASED CARE

Abstract

AIDS and its related consequences are challenging men to redefine their masculinity. Women and men are equally affected by HIV and AIDS and while cultural and traditional practices relegate care giving to women, men have found out that the same practices compromise the quality of Home Based Care provided to male AIDS patients. Men are now joining women in providing Home Based Care to AIDS patients. This study investigates the challenges male care givers face and the strategies for improving men’s involvement. The findings of this study suggest that while stigma is still the biggest challenge for men care givers, involving male role models from the community and community leaders in recruiting male volunteers is helping to reduce stigma and improving the quality of care. Male care givers teaming up with their female counterparts provide a total package of care to male AIDS patients. This study is based on male volunteer care givers from Orange Farm, an Urban-Rural settlement South of Johannesburg. These men are part of the Men As Partners network, a network that challenges men to play an active role in the reproductive health of their spouses. My experience working in the gender sector and my involvement with Men As Partners network inspired me to conduct this study. This study therefore aims to shed light on how men go about providing care, a role that has been a women’s domain for many years and what value they (male care givers) add on the health of AIDS patients