ORPHAN AIDS CAREGIVING NEEDS IN COMMUNITY: THE CASE WORKERS PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Deaths among adults due to HIV/AIDS have left their children as AIDS orphans. UNAIDS defines AIDS orphans as children who have lost both parents and one of them due to HIV / AIDS.  The shift of responsibilities of AIDS orphans to extended families or informal caregivers such as grandparents, relatives, and foster families causes a change in the pattern of family dynamics. However, there is still a lack of studies that explore the family dynamics of caregiving of AIDS orphans in particular caregiving needs. This study was conducted to explore the needs of AIDS orphans living in the community from the perspective of caseworkers. The study has applied qualitative methods (case study). A total of five HIV-positive child caseworkers were selected as informants using purposive sampling. Data collection was conducted through face-to-face interviews and thematic analysis was applied during the data analysis process. The result has shown there is four caring needs have been identified i) economic stability, ii) health status, iii) psychosocial support, and iv) knowledge and skills. An understanding of caregiving needs is essential to ensure the social functioning of individuals such as caregivers, AIDS orphans, and family members are secured and the family system can function properly. Apart from that, the exploration of this study can also be a guide for caseworkers to plan a family-community-based intervention outline for AIDS orphans.