The role of children in their HIV-positive parents’ management of antiretroviral therapy in Uganda

Bibliographic Data

ID15456731
AuthorsRuth Nalugya (0000-0002-9659-5031, Uganda Virus Research Institute), Steven Russell (0000-0001-8423-5891, University of East Anglia), Flavia Zalwango (0000-0003-0819-5255, Uganda Virus Research Institute), Janet Seeley (0000-0002-0583-5272, Uganda Virus Research Institute, corresponding author)
Year2018
Volume17
Issue1
Pages37-46
Publication date2018-01-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAfrican Journal of AIDS Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1608-5906 • E-ISSN: 1727-9445
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.2989/16085906.2017.1394332
PMID29504506
OpenAlexW2790185698
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited51

Adjustment to life on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and living with HIV as a long-term chronic condition, pose significant medical, social and economic challenges. We investigated children's role in supporting HIV-positive parents to self-manage life on ART. Between 2010 and 2012, we conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 38 HIV-positive parents who had been on ART for over a year. They were randomly selected from people accessing ART from three delivery sites in Wakiso district, Uganda. Data were analysed thematically. Participants reported children between the ages of 1 and 47 years providing support. Children were a source of happiness, self-worth, encouragement, and comfort. Both younger and older children supported parents' adherence to treatment through reminding them to take the drugs and honour clinic appointments. Older children provided money to buy medication, food and shelter. Parents reported that the encouragement they received after they disclosed to their children enhanced their survival. After HIV disclosure to their children many of their fears about the future were allayed. Thinking about their children's future brought hope. However, looking after younger children while on ART could be burdensome since some parents could not work to their full capacity due to reduced physical health. Children are an important resource in their parents' adjustment to living with HIV while taking ART. There is a need for children to be supported by appropriate policy and other social and health development structures

Antiretroviral therapy · Family medicine · Happiness · Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV · Psychotherapist · Qualitative research · Social support · Viral load · Family Caregiving in Mental Illness · Family Support in Illness · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Medicine · Psychology