HIV/AIDS is no longer seen as an individual problem as it also affects the family as a
whole. The purpose of this study is to purpose of analysing the mental health of family
affected by HIV/AIDS in Rwanda. It should be noted that there were not studies
conducted on the mental health of the affected families in Rwanda.
A qualitative approach using case study design was used to describe the mental health
of affected family in Rwanda. HIV/AIDS-related stressors, emotional reactions of
family members and coping strategies they adopt to deal with those stressors and
emotional reactions were studied. The effects of those reactions and strategies on the
infected family member as well as the entire family were analysed. A purposive
sampling was used to select two families from Mwana Ukundwa Association for the
study.
The findings of the study showed multiple losses, care, and socio-economic demands as
the main stressors for both cases. Emotional reactions to those stressors included shock,
anger, sadness, hopelessness, depression, fear and shame. Participants reported using
both emotional and problem-focused coping strategies. Compassion, caring and
showing concern had positive effects on the infected and affected as well as family
members, whereas emotional reactions such as anger, unhappiness, and discouragement
had negative effects on the entire family. Positive effects of family reactions and
strategies to cope were associated with coping strategies such as; having opportunity to
talk: to someone, distraction, family relationships, spiritual support, treatment, and
socio-economic support. Ineffective strategies included family communication
dysfunction due to withdrawal behaviour, alcohol abuse and going to nightclubs. These
strategies had negative effects on both infected and affected family members.
The results suggest that health professionals such as nurses, doctors and other healthcare
providers should use a holistic approach in caring for infected family members.
They should not only provided family care, but also include the family in planning to
care for the infected family member. This will empower them to play a more effective
role in home care-based. / Thesis (M.N.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2004.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:ukzn/oai:http://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za:10413/9009 |
| Date | January 2004 |
| Creators | Uwizeye, Glorieuse. |
| Contributors | Mkize, Lungiswa Patience. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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