Coping Styles of Caregivers of Children with HIV/AIDS: Implications for Health Professionals

In a study to examine the coping styles and quality of life of non-parental caregivers of children with HIV/AIDS, 25 non-parental caregivers used confrontive coping most often and passive and emotive coping much less often. The two most frequently used coping styles were prayer and efforting to maintain some control over the situation. Quality of life correlations showed that support from family/friends was significantly related to all of the quality of life subscales. Time spent caring for the HIV-positive child was significantly inversely related to all aspects of quality of life. The conclusions drawn from the study were that interventions are needed to help support caregivers of children with HIV/AIDS. Examples of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention measures for health professionals are discussed.