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Exploring the Care Relationship between Grandparents/Older Carers and Children Infected with HIV in South-Western Uganda: Implications for Care for Both the Children and Their Older Carers

Author

Listed:
  • Rwamahe Rutakumwa

    (Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda)

  • Flavia Zalwango

    (Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Esther Richards

    (Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Janet Seeley

    (Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda
    Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK)

Abstract

The care of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa is often undertaken by grandparents, yet little is known about the care relationship between grandparent and grandchild. Our aim was to examine this relationship to understand the needs and responsibilities of both the HIV positive child and older carer and the nature of the relationship, and to assess the implications for care for the children and the older carers. A qualitative study was conducted with 40 purposively sampled children (13–17 years) and their older carers (50 years and above). Participants were recruited from two clinics in south-western Uganda. Up to three semi-structured interviews were held with each participant. Data were analysed using a thematic framework approach. We found that the care relationship was mostly reciprocal: HIV positive children depended on carers for basic and health needs and carers counted on the children for performing tedious household tasks. The relationship was also characterised by challenges, sometimes causing tension between child and carer. We conclude that: (1) interventions targeting HIV positive children need to also address the needs of older carers, and (2) carers and children would benefit from psychosocial support and social protection.

Suggested Citation

  • Rwamahe Rutakumwa & Flavia Zalwango & Esther Richards & Janet Seeley, 2015. "Exploring the Care Relationship between Grandparents/Older Carers and Children Infected with HIV in South-Western Uganda: Implications for Care for Both the Children and Their Older Carers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-15, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:12:y:2015:i:2:p:2120-2134:d:45880
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Anne Case & Christina Paxson & Joseph Ableidinger, 2004. "Orphans in Africa: parental death, poverty, and school enrollment," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 41(3), pages 483-508, August.
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    3. repec:pri:rpdevs:case_paxson_orphansafrica.pdf is not listed on IDEAS
    4. repec:pri:rpdevs:case_paxson_orphansafrica is not listed on IDEAS
    5. Kasedde, Susan & Doyle, Aoife M. & Seeley, Janet A. & Ross, David A., 2014. "They are not always a burden: Older people and child fostering in Uganda during the HIV epidemic," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 161-168.
    6. Skovdal, Morten & Ogutu, Vincent O. & Aoro, Cellestine & Campbell, Catherine, 2009. "Young carers as social actors: Coping strategies of children caring for ailing or ageing guardians in Western Kenya," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 69(4), pages 587-595, August.
    7. Mburu, Gitau & Ram, Mala & Oxenham, Danielle & Haamujompa, Choolwe & Iorpenda, Kate & Ferguson, Laura, 2014. "Responding to adolescents living with HIV in Zambia: A social–ecological approach," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 9-17.
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