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Title:Confronting AIDS-related loss and grief: an exploratory study of professional caregivers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Author:Demmer, Craig
Year:2006
Periodical:African Journal of AIDS Research
Volume:5
Issue:2
Pages:97-107
Language:English
Geographic term:South Africa
Subjects:health personnel
mental health
AIDS
mourning
External link:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2989/16085900609490370
Abstract:As a result of the high mortality rate associated with AIDS, professional caregivers witness ongoing loss among clients. Besides finding ways to assist the dying and the bereaved, caregivers must cope with their own feelings surrounding loss. This study examines caregivers' perceptions of the impact of AIDS-related deaths on clients, caregivers' experiences helping bereaved clients, caregivers' own feelings about dealing with AIDS-related loss, and other aspects of their job. In-depth interviews were conducted separately with eight caregivers employed in programmes with various organizations serving people infected or affected by HIV/AIDS in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Caregivers expressed difficulty in assisting clients with their grief due to several factors, including more-pressing client needs (such as economic survival), clients' reticence to talk about their grief, inadequate preparation for dealing with death and bereavement as professionals, and scarce organizational resources. Exposure to ongoing loss was very difficult for caregivers, and, despite the rewards associated with HIV/AIDS work, several of the interviewed could not foresee working in this field much longer. Bibliogr., note, sum. [Journal abstract]
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