Browsing by Author "Cohen, Ivan"

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    Subjective quality of life of the elderly affected by HIV/AIDS
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2016-03) Cohen, Ivan; Naidoo, Anthony V.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Department of Psychology
    This research study investigated the effects of HIV/AIDS on the subjective quality of life of elderly caregivers. The purpose of the research was to develop an in-depth understanding of how HIV/AIDS affects the subjective quality of life of the elderly caregiver in multiple life domains. A qualitative research design was used with a narrative approach to explore the lived experiences of elderly caregivers who are affected by HIV/AIDS. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted to ascertain their experiences in providing care for family and community members affected by HIV/AIDS, and how their quality of life has been affected by their caregiving role. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and the adapted listening guide developed by Carol Gilligan. Through this process, the different voices of the participants were heard and used to establish the common themes. The sample for this study was selected from Masiphumelele in the Western Cape, which has a high prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS. Purposive sampling was used to select 10 participants who care for relatives, friends, spouses and children with HIV/AIDS, as well as children orphaned due to HIV/AIDS. Fifty percent of the participants indicated in the course of the interviews that they were also infected with HIV. It was found that the subjective quality of life within various areas within the participants’ lives had been significantly affected by their roles as caregivers. The elderly caregivers found themselves having to take up multiple unexpected roles such as breadwinner, mother, father, grandmother and grandfather within their household. These new roles affected the elderly within multiple life domains, thus putting them at risk of experiencing a decreased quality of life. This compromised quality of life heavily affected the social, mental, physical and financial aspects of their lives. ENGLISH ABSTRACT : Recommendations are presented to enhance the quality of life of the elderly who find their twilight years affected by having to cope with an extended caregiving role because of the effects and implications of HIV in their family and community.