Experiences of HIV/AIDS home-based caregivers in Vhembe district of the Limpopo Province

• Main Authors: N.S. Mashau (Author), M. Davhana-Maselesele (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: AOSIS, 2009-09-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 0379-8577; 2223-6279; 10.4102/curationis.v32i4.985
• Keywords: Nursing; RT1-120
• Source: Curationis, Vol 32, Iss 4, Pp 40-47 (2009)

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of HIV and AIDS home-based caregivers in the Vhembe district of Limpopo Province. A qualitative research design which was exploratory, descriptive and contextual was executed with a sample of purposively selected participants who provided home-based care to people living with HIV and AIDS in the Vhembe district of Limpopo Province. Data saturation occurred after in-depth interviews with fifteen participants. In-depth individual interviews and field notes were also used during data collection. The findings reveal that HIV/AIDS home-based caregivers express pain and despair when caring for HIV/AIDS patients. The theme was supported by the following categories and subcategories: problems related to stigma when caring for patients at their homes; stress, burnout, frustration and feelings of helplessness when caring for patients. Recommendations that are described focus on building a working relationship between the home-based caregivers, community and the family.