Families in crisis : a comparative hermeneutic study of the impact of cancer and HIV/AIDS on familes.
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Date
2002
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Abstract
This study employed a qualitative hermeneutic methodology to compare and explore the stress faced by families caring for a family member with cancer or HIV/AIDS. Four 'Indian' families, two with a family member with cancer and two with a family member with HIV/AIDS, were purposiveiy sampled through NGOs in Pietermaritzburg and Durban. Generally it appeared that the illnesses brought about a range of stressors in families including fmancial and care-related stressors, role changes, difficulties accessing medical treatment, uncertainty and the psychological responses of family members. The impact of these on families was mediated by the families' abilities, social support, a variety of meaning factors and stigma. It did however, appear that families caring for a family member with HIV/AIDS had to cope with several additional burdens including coping with a more prolonged and variable period of illness, fears of infection, increased difficulties accessing medical treatment, less social support and stigma.
Description
Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2002.
Keywords
Aids (Disease)--Patients--South Africa--Family relationships., Cancer--Patients--Family relationships., Sick--Family relationships., Caregivers--Family relationships., Theses--Psychology.