Adherence To High Active Antiretroviral Therapy (Haart) During Covid-19 Pandemic : Women Caring For An Hiv-Infected Child Coping Experience

Abstract

The experience of caring for AIDS orphans raises a wide range of caregiving challenges. It has a significant impact on the entire extended family during the caregiving process. This article represents a report on specific findings from an exploratory study focusing on women living with HIV caring for an HIV-infected children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The major concern of HIV caregiving during the COVID-19 lockdown was the HIV medication and treatment adherence. This qualitative study was designed using a phenomenological approach, with an in-depth interview method used to collect data. The selection of informants was made using purposive sampling. Apart from that, the scope of the interview questions was developed from the literature. Four orphans’ AIDS caregivers were interviewed. The results showed all informants had practiced Strength-Based coping mechanisms during the lockdown. This action is a catalyst in maintaining the social well-being of caregivers while being identified as being able to provide new hope for the AIDS orphans under their care. Caregivers are resilient and were adhered to HIV antiretroviral medication routine for children under their care by i) showing acceptation of the Orphans’ AIDS seropositive status, ii) well-planned problem-solving and confrontation approach, iii) receiving continuous social support (emotional and instrumental support) and iv) practising cognitive restructuring and developing positive behaviour based on their past experiences related to HIV/AIDS caregiving challenges. The results are expected to bring a positive impact on helping HIV children’s caregivers to strengthen the existing coping strategies which were practiced during COVID-19 lockdown period. Additionally, this study foresees a significant contribution to Social Work Practices with families and the needs to develop a home-based AIDS Orphan care module.