Abstract

Research Article

A Qualitative Study of Caregivers of Children Living with HIV/AIDS in Ghana: Diagnosis History, Health-seeking Behaviour, and Care Expectations

Gideon Awenabisa Atanuriba*, Felix Apiribu, Timothy Tienbia Laari, Yakubu Salifu, Cupid Adombireh, Rumana Saeed Mohammed and Marvelous Ajaalie Antaniba

Published: 05 April, 2024 | Volume 7 - Issue 1 | Pages: 026-036

Caregivers of Children Living with HIV/AIDS experience severe burdens in Africa amidst unmet needs while seeking care from hospitals. This study aimed to explore the diagnosis history, health-seeking behaviour, and care provided by hospitals and whether the services meet caregivers’ expectations. We used a qualitative approach and conducted individual in-depth interviews among purposively sampled caregivers of children living with HIV/AIDS from three hospitals. We achieved data sufficiency after interviewing nine participants. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed manually through Collaizi’s steps. Four themes developed including; history of pregnancy and poor HIV testing, effective care for caregivers and CLWH, attitude of healthcare providers, and unmet expectations of care. Healthcare providers showed positive attitudes towards caregivers and provided services (counselling, dispensing Anti-retrovirals, health monitoring, and coordination of clinical care). Expectations bordered on financial support (for food, education, health care), and treatment for opportunistic infections. Findings indicate gaps in HIV voluntary testing for pregnant women, enrollment in Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT), and unmet needs. It is imperative to improve coverage of testing for pregnant women and efforts made to meet their needs. Financial support, provision of food security, and assistance for caregivers are essential for care.

Read Full Article HTML DOI: 10.29328/journal.japch.1001065 Cite this Article Read Full Article PDF

Keywords:

Caregivers; Children living with HIV/AIDS health-seeking behaviour; Hospital care unmet needs; Qualitative study

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