Challenges faced by elderly guardians in sustaining the adherence to antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected children in Zimbabwe
Résumé
Grandparents throughout sub-Saharan Africa have shown immense courage and fortitude in providing care and support for AIDS-affected children. However, growing old comes with a number of challenges which can compromise the care and support given to children affected by AIDS, particularly for children infected by HIV and enrolled on anti-retroviral therapy (ART) programmes. For ART to have an impact, and for children not to develop drug-resistance, a rigid treatment regimen must be followed. Drawing on the perspectives of 25 nurses and 8 grandparents of HIV-infected children in Manicaland, eastern Zimbabwe, we explore some of the challenges faced by grandparents in sustaining ART adherence in HIV-infected children under their care. These challenges, serving as barriers to pediatric ART, are poverty, immobility, deteriorating memory and poor comprehension of complex treatments. Although older HIV-infected children were found to play an active role in sustaining the adherence to their treatment by contributing to income and food generating activities and reminding their guardians about check-ups and drug administration, such support was not available from younger children. There is therefore an urgent need to develop ART services that both support elderly guardians in their efforts to sustain the adherence of HIV-infected children under their care and to actively draw on the agency of older children in facilitating ART adherence.
Domaines
Santé publique et épidémiologie
Origine : Fichiers produits par l'(les) auteur(s)
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