Kenya HIV/AIDS Patients: Voices of Their Caregivers

Charnetta Gadling-Cole
Assistant Professor
Department of Social Work
University of Alabama at Birmingham
cgcole@uab.edu

Sandra Edmonds Crewe
Professor, Associate Dean
School of Social Work
Howard University
screwe@howard.edu

 Abstract

HIV/AIDS caregivers in Nairobi, Kenya do not choose their destiny. They all reside in various areas of Nairobi, Kenya and share many of the same trials and tribulations associated with providing care to someone suffering from a terminal illness. Some have been forced into the role due to the death of a loved one, while others have voluntarily taken on the responsibility because they know the patient has no one else. The caregiver's role of persons with HIV/AIDS share unique challenges in Kenya. Findings from focus groups conducted in four Nairobi villages document four themes that characterize the challenges they face in providing informal care to persons infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. The four challenge areas are: (1) family instability caused by the disease; (2) stigmatization of families; (3) treatment inadequacies; and (4) implementation of caregiver training. Using Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory, the authors provide a context for the themes that emerged. The experiences shared in this qualitative research captured day-to-day challenges and obstacles encountered by the HIV/AIDS caregivers, particularly women. These individuals face numerous political, social, economic, and cultural challenges. This article reviews these challenges and provides recommendations to address key issues.

Keywords:Kenya, HIV/AIDS, Caregivers, Challenges

 About the Authors

Charnetta Gadling-Cole, MSW, Ph.D.is an Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in the College of Arts and Sciences, Department Social Work. She holds secondary appointments as a Scientist in the UAB Center for Aging and the Center for AIDS Research. She is also a Scholar in the UAB Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Center and the Geriatric Education Center. She primarily conducts research and publishes in the areas of gerontology, caregiving and international social work.

Sandra Edmonds Crewe, MSW, Ph.D. is a Professor and Associate Dean for Howard University School of Social Work. She also serves on faculty in the Howard University Graduate School. Dr. Crewe is the Director of the Multidisciplinary Center for Social Gerontology. She primarily conducts research and publishes in the areas of aging, caregiving, and kinship care.