Tosin Popoola
University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Title: Older AIDS orphans and the distant approach of extended families: A phenomenological study
Biography
Biography: Tosin Popoola
Abstract
Despite that antiretroviral therapy (ART) is positively changing the prognosis of HIV infection, the absence of cure means that the world will still experience an increasing number of AIDS orphans in the coming years due to the time lag of HIV infection. Although there is intense advocacy for keeping the child in the family for improved developmental and psychosocial outcomes, this is not always achievable, especially in regions that have been severely affected by HIV, such as Sub-Saharan Africa. The study utilized a descriptive phenomenological approach to explore the experiences and needs of six unsupported AIDS-orphaned youth in Wannune, Nigeria. The participants, who were between the ages of 18-24, were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide, and the transcribed interviews were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method of phenomenological analysis. The study participants prematurely assumed adult roles due to loss of their parents to AIDS and discussed the distant approach of extended family members in relation to their care. The distant approach of the extended families, consequently, constitutes an additional stressor to orphans’ psychosocial wellbeing due to resulting feelings of anger and neglect. The findings suggest that AIDS orphans without love and support from significant others are at an additional disadvantage for poorer psychosocial outcomes. The study recommends that health professionals work closely with AIDS orphans, who are taking up adult roles, to co-conceptualize their individual definition of family, so that their care can be sensitively and appropriately situated.