THE IMPACT OF AIDS ON FAMILY CAREGIVERS (IMMUNE DEFICIENCY).
Contributors: Walden University.
Published: 1994
Number of pages: 294
Subjects: Psychology, General.; Health Sciences, Nursing.
Description: The impact of AIDS on caregivers who are identified as family, the needs of these caregivers, and the resources used by these caregivers were investigated in this study. An exploratory, qualitative case study was used to achieve the above and to develop a conceptual model of the process of caring for a PWA (person with AIDS). Eight families were selected dependent upon their position of being in one of four distinct phases: (1) From at least two weeks post diagnosis of AIDS to six weeks post diagnosis; (2) From at least six weeks post diagnosis while the health of the PWA is stable; (3) From at least six weeks post diagnosis while the health of the PWA is unstable; (4) Post death of the PWA. Families were followed for approximately four months in an effort to identify characteristics and to capture how caregivers attitudes, needs, and resources changed over time. Interviews and participation observation logs comprised the data collection methodology. Results indicated caregivers are compassionate persons who put the needs of other before their own needs. A systems perspective utilizing the physical, psychological, sociological, economic, and spiritual domains facilitates the understanding of the process of caring for a PWA. Effects and needs experienced by caregivers change in direct proportion to the decline in the health of the PWA. Resource utilization is individualized for each caregiver. Caregivers use those resources which meet their personal needs at specific time intervals and with which they are comfortable.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 56-02, Section: B, page: 1088.

Thesis (PH.D.)--WALDEN UNIVERSITY, 1994.

School code: 0543.