| Summary: | It is estimated that five million adults and children are subjected to HIV and AlDS in
South Africa. The prevalence of Aids in children between the ages of 2 and 4 years is
estimated at 5,6%, and in child bearing vertical transmission of HIV between mother
and child can be as high as 40%. In households where one or both of the parents are
affected by AIDS, it is estimated that 13% of the children are severely affected by
loss of income and food deprivation. Caregivers experience increasing strain
because recurrent hospitalizations of children are taking place due to opportunistic
infections. As a result there is a shift in focus towards community-based care. A
need exist for non-professional caregivers which are able to give effective
preventative community based care on a continual basis. The lack of non
professional caregivers imply that the necessary support for children with AlDS is
absent which means that life expectation and quality of life is reduced.
The non-professional caregiver has none or minimal health training to care for
children with AIDS, and non-scientific and cultural based methods for caring are
practiced. The end result is that caregivers experience tension and psychological
stress. This research was undertaken to determine the needs of the non-professional
caregivers and also determine if they possess the necessary knowledge to care for
children with AIDS. The aim is then to develop criteria for training the non-professional
caregivers in the Potchefstroom district. A survey design with
quantitative methodology was utilized. The population consisted out of 165 listed
non-professional caregivers of which 11 2 were willingly included in the availability
sample. Utilizing a structured questionnaire compiled from literature performed data
collection. Data analysis was performed using frequency analysis and the calculation
of effect sizes. The results indicated that some non-professional caregivers do have
a basic knowledge of caring for children with AIDS. However the following problem
areas were identified: the effective handling of conditions such as chronic respiratory
problems, coughing, diarrhoea, increased temperature and pain in the child with
AIDS. The non-professional caregivers who have completed a healthcare
programme showed increased knowledge if compared to those who did not take part
in such a programme. The results thus showed that there is a definite need for the
training of caregivers in the Potchefstroom district. From this research
recommendations are formulated which should be implemented in nursing education,
research and practice. Also, guidelines are formulated for the implementation of a
training programme for non-professional caregivers, enabling them to give quality
care to children with AIDS, which will improve their quality of life. === Thesis (M.Cur.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.
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