A phenomenological study of the beliefs of family caregivers of children living with HIV/AIDS on adherence to antiretroviral therapy.
Lilian Yiryuo, Wahab Osman, Stephen Kpekura
PMID 37209366WHAT IT FOUND
Caregivers interviewed believed HIV medicine made children healthier and saw missing doses as dangerous.
Some also trusted prayer or traditional remedies while continuing the medicine. These are reported beliefs, not evidence that adherence improved.
Key findings
01Caregivers described strong belief that antiretroviral therapy weakened the virus, improved child health, and prolonged life.
02Caregivers believed strict adherence suppressed HIV and prevented sickness, while missed doses could increase the disease and lead to early death.
03Some caregivers believed local or traditional treatments could help, and some said people stop antiretroviral therapy to seek spiritual treatment.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
Only 13 caregivers from one hospital in northern Ghana were interviewed, so the findings may not represent other caregivers or settings. The study reports beliefs, not measured adherence, viral suppression, or child health outcomes. Interviews were recorded in Dagaare and translated into English, which may have changed some meanings. Researchers selected participants on purpose, which limits how far the findings can be applied.
Declared interests
No specific grant was received, and no conflicts of interest were declared.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that these beliefs made adherence better or that counselling based on them was tested. The study only interviewed 13 caregivers and reported their beliefs, not actual adherence or health outcomes.