Exploring the care relationship between grandparents/older carers and children infected with HIV in South-Western Uganda: implications for care for both the children and their older carers
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Date
2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Abstract
The care of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa is often undertaken by grandparents, yet little is known about the care relationship between grandparent and grandchild. Our aim was to examine this relationship to understand the
needs and responsibilities of both the HIV positive child and older carer and the nature of the relationship, and to assess the implications for care for the children and the older carers. A qualitative study was conducted with 40 purposively sampled children (13–17 years) and their older carers (50 years and above). Participants were recruited from two clinics in southwestern
Uganda. Up to three semi-structured interviews were held with each participant. Data were analysed using a thematic framework approach. We found that the care relationship was mostly reciprocal: HIV positive children depended on carers for basic and
health needs and carers counted on the children for performing tedious household tasks. The relationship was also characterised by challenges, sometimes causing tension between child and carer. We conclude that: (1) interventions targeting HIV positive children need to also address the needs of older carers, and (2) carers and children would benefit from
psychosocial support and social protection.
Description
Keywords
children, older carers, grandparents, reciprocity, care relationship, HIV/AIDS, Uganda, sub-Saharan Africa
Citation
Rutakumwa, R., Zalwango, F., Richards, E., & Seeley, J. (2015). Exploring the care relationship between grandparents/older carers and children infected with HIV in south-western Uganda: Implications for care for both the children and their older carers. International journal of environmental research and public health, 12(2), 2120-2134.doi:10.3390/ijerph120202120