A qualitative inquiry into the realities of caregivers caring for children living with HIV in South Africa

Abstract

With the introduction of antiretroviral treatment, HIV has become more of a chronic disease, resulting in people living with HIV living longer. This progress has also been realised among children and adolescents living with HIV, whose primary caregivers have always been instrumental in supporting and caring for them. Despite the general progress in the fight against HIV and the crucial role of caregivers in supporting children living with HIV, the reality is that the struggle is not yet over. The existing literature demonstrates that there are some untold sufferings not only of those children who are living with HIV but also their families and primary caregivers. Drawing from the biopsychosocial theoretical framework, this exploratory qualitative study sought to explore the experiences, challenges and coping strategies of caregivers of children living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa. A total of eight participants were recruited from Pretoria and Cape Town through purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed through Braun and Clarke’s thematic model of qualitative data analysis. The findings revealed various experiences, including reluctance to disclose the child’s HIV-positive status, financial challenges, experiences involving support systems and the coping strategies for managing challenges. The study demonstrated the complexity of HIV as a condition involving the interaction of biological, psychological and social dynamics.