Challenges and coping mechanisms of caregivers of people living with HIV and AIDS in healthcare facilities in Mahikeng

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the challenges and coping mechanisms of caregivers of people living with HIV and AIDS. The main objectives were to explore the overall challenges that caregivers of people living with HIV and AIDS face and the coping mechanisms that caregivers utilize in dealing with people living with HIV and AIDS. This study adopted a qualitative research method, where semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Twenty caregivers willingly participated in the study. All of them were above eighteen years old. The caregivers were strictly for people living with HIV and AIDS in the following five healthhealthcare facilities: Lifeline Mafikeng, Tsibogang Home-Based Care Centre, Karabo Home-Based Care Centre, Lomanyaneng Home-Based Care Centre and Isibindi Child and Youth Care Centre. All caregivers had worked in their facilities for at least three months to form a part of the study. Following the interviews with the participants, the following themes emerged: Caregiver's understanding and knowledge of HIV and AIDS, Caregiver's experiences, Caregiver's challenges and Coping Mechanisms. The findings of the study have revealed that caregivers do face challenges when working with people living with HIV and AIDS. The three main findings that were discovered were social, emotional and the researcher discovered a new challenge, which is interaction challenge. These findings add to the theory of the Social Work profession and contribute to further research. In order for the caregivers to carry out their work effectively and efficiently, the researcher recommends that caregivers should be provided with formal training for caregiving. Caregivers who do not have Matric must be sponsored and supported to attain this qualification, more male volunteers should be recruited as caregivers to promote diversity in gender in the caring facilities. Debriefing sessions for caregivers should be conducted on a monthly basis so that they can offload the stress and pressure they get from caring for people living with HIV and AIDS.