Sociocultural Issues as Barriers to HIV-Infected Orphan Care in Southern Africa
Journal Title: Journal of Clinical Research in HIV AIDS and Prevention - Year 2014, Vol 2, Issue 1
Abstract
As advances in treatment and prevention are starting to decrease the magnitude of the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa, the number of orphans and children surviving Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is growing. To date, little research has been conducted in the care of HIV-infected children in orphanages in Sub-Saharan Africa. In this qualitative study, managing personnel in 10 programs caring for HIV-infected children were interviewed to ascertain perceived barriers to care of these children. While all programs commented on medical infrastructure barriers, respondents felt sociocultural issues were more pressing. After analysis of transcribed interviews, three major themes of poverty, denial/stigma, and cultural differences with outsiders emerged. These findings have implications for international programs that both serve and seek to serve the needs of HIV-infected children and orphans in Africa. Outside funding organizations will need to address local poverty, stigma, and African “ownership” of HIV-positive orphans to ultimately ensure the best care of these vulnerable children.
Authors and Affiliations
Seth Langsam, Corinne Lehmann, Lisa M. Vaughn, Alexandra Kissling
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP262811
- DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-13-239
- Views 149
- Downloads 0
Recognizing the Costs of Teen Pregnancy: “Baby Think it Over”
Despite recent improvements in teen pregnancy and birth rates, 2000 teens get pregnant each day in the U.S. Innovative strategies that are effective and acceptable within communities are needed to continue these declines...
Dual Choice for Dual Target Anti-HIV Therapy
No abstract
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Associated with Alimentary Fatty Liver Disease are not Genetic Risk Factors for Treatment-associated Hepatic Steatosis in HIV Patients on HAART
No Abstract
Cognitive Functioning in Adults Aging with HIV: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Cognitive Subtypes and Influential Factors
Objective: This cross-sectional study examined cognitive subtypes and influential factors in HIV-positive (HIV+) adults. Method: Two-step cluster analysis was conducted on a neurocognitive test battery in a sample (N...
Participant Retention in a HIV Prevention Cohort Study in Kisumu, Kenya
Retention of sufficient numbers of participants in longitudinal research studies is a serious methodological concern, as retention influences the validity of the research findings. An assessment of participant retention...