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Informal HIV/AIDS caregivers: A study of their decision-making, experiences, and perspectives

Ukockis, Gail L
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1179927683

Abstract Details

2007, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Social Work.
This research seeks to explore the informal HIV/AIDS caregivers’ experiences to better understand how they decide to take on the role of caregiver, how they cope with the stigma of caring for an HIV-positive person, and their level of comfort negotiating the social service systems on behalf of the care receiver. Currently there is a research gap on informal HIV/AIDS caregiving. Since 1996, the introduction of antiretroviral medications extended the lives of HIV-positive individuals. This has changed the nature of HIV/AIDS caregiving from a short-term acute situation to long-term intermittent care, thus making the role of caregivers even more complex. Without adequate understanding of the nature of the informal caregiving experiences, local and state policymakers do not recognize the need for more support for caregivers. Another research gap is the racial/ethnic aspects, since African Americans and Hispanic/Latinos have disproportionate rates of HIV infection. This research will help HIV/AIDS service organizations and other social service organizations to learn more about caregivers and caregiver burden, thus leading to better coordination of services. No national data exists on the number of informal HIV/AIDS caregivers, but local data from the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland and Columbus AIDS Taskforce indicates that nearly half of their clients depend on caregiving. Although the antiretroviral medications are effective in reducing the AIDS mortality rate, the HIV/AIDS epidemic has affected the health of many HIV-positive persons. This research study of caregiving, conducted in the antiretroviral era, revealed that the number of hours committed to caregiving was a mean of 20.68 hours/week with the median of 15 hours. Not only were there a high number of IADLs (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) performed for each receiver (mean of 6.46 and median of 6), but also over half of the care receivers (56.8%) received assistance with at least one ADL (Activity of Daily Living). This indicates that informal HIV/AIDS caregiving is often a part-time job with an intense level of care. Another finding was the high preponderance of males as HIV/AIDS caregivers who did not fit the stereotype of the gay white male taking care of his partner.
Shantha Balaswamy (Advisor)
251 p.
Social Work
HIV/AIDS; Caregiving

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Ukockis, G. L. (2007). Informal HIV/AIDS caregivers: A study of their decision-making, experiences, and perspectives [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1179927683

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Ukockis, Gail. Informal HIV/AIDS caregivers: A study of their decision-making, experiences, and perspectives. 2007. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1179927683.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Ukockis, Gail. "Informal HIV/AIDS caregivers: A study of their decision-making, experiences, and perspectives." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2007. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1179927683

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1179927683
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© 2007, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.