RESEARCH ARTICLE

 

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

 

 

NS Mashau^I; M Davhana-Maselesele^II

^IIM Cur. Lecturer: Department of Public Health, University of Venda
^IIID Phil. Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, North West University (Mafikeng Campus)

Correspondence

 

 

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ABSTRACT

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.

Key words: Burnout, Home-based caregivers, Stigma, Stress

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Correspondence:
School of Health Sciences
University of Venda
Thohoyandou, 0950
Tel: (015)962-8622; Fax: 086 547 0576
E-mail: ntsieni.mashau@univen.ac.za