The loneliness of HIV-infected low-income mothers : implications for health workers

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:In a qualitative study, a convenience sampling technique was used to ensure astudy population of eleven HIV-infected low-income women. These participantswere all direct referrals from municipal clinics and the provincial hospital. Thecriteria for participation were HIV sero-positivity and being a mother of a child orchildren. Semi-structured open-ended individual interviews were conducted,transcribed and then analysed, using grounded theory. Additional data weregained by using a standardised psychological measure, the Revised UCLALoneliness Scale (RULS). The two main types of loneliness that these womenexperienced were loneliness of emotional isolation and loneliness of socialisolation. These terms can be defined as the absence of a close emotionalattachment and lack of support and understanding of intimate others (emotionalisolation) and the absence of an accessible and engaging social network and lackof social support and acceptance (social isolation). The most significant causes ofloneliness for these women were stigmatisation; fear and/or shame of rejectionand victimisation; fear of losing custody or care of their children; fear of losingfinancial and emotional support; and using secrecy and non-disclosure as maincoping strategy for their emotional and physical safety. Experiences of emotionalisolation were also provoked or enhanced by the lack of involvement and supportfrom their partners and the partners' denial of the illness and its consequences.Experiences of social isolation were also caused or increased by the general lack ofHIV/AIDS information, education and support services. Significantly, it was foundthat for most of the women the psychological effect of loneliness was primarily adepressed mood as well as using negative coping mechanisms, such as alcoholabuse and further withdrawal from important others. The psychosocial needs of these women were also significantly similar. Broad guidelines are offered forhealth workers in assisting/supporting HIV-infected low-income mothers ingeneral, based on the core needs of the women in this study; to be listened toand heard, understanding and acceptance, and social support.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University