This review, carried out for the Joint Learning Initiative on Children and AIDS, links the literature on “migration”, on “HIV and AIDS” and on “families”. Three themes are sketched: (1) As both HIV prevalence and circular migration increase, former migrant workers affected by AIDS may return to their families for care and support, especially at the end of life, often under crisis conditions. Families thus lose promising members, as well as sources of support. However, very little is known about the children of such migrants. (2) Following patterns of migration established for far different reasons, children may have to relocate to different places, sometimes over long distances, if their AIDS-affected parents can no longer care for them. They face the same adaptation challenges as other children who move, but complicated by loss of parent(s), AIDS stigma, and often poverty. (3) The issue of migrant families living with HIV has been studied to some extent, but mainly in developed countries with a long history of migration, and with little attention paid to the children in such families. Difficulties include involuntary separation from family members, isolation and lack of support, disclosure and planning for children's care should the parent(s) die and differences in treatment access within the same family. Numerous research and policy gaps are defined regarding the three themes, and a call is made for thinking about migration, families and AIDS to go beyond description to include resilience theory, and to go beyond prevention to include care.
This review, carried out for the Joint Learning Initiative on Children and AIDS, links the literature on “migration”, on “HIV and AIDS” and on “families”. Three themes are sketched: (1) As both HIV prevalence and circular migration increase, former migrant workers affected by AIDS may return to their families for care and support, especially at the end of life, often under crisis conditions. Families thus lose promising members, as well as sources of support. However, very little is known about the children of such migrants. (2) Following patterns of migration established for far different reasons, children may have to relocate to different places, sometimes over long distances, if their AIDS-affected parents can no longer care for them. They face the same adaptation challenges as other children who move, but complicated by loss of parent(s), AIDS stigma, and often poverty. (3) The issue of migrant families living with HIV has been studied to some extent, but mainly in developed countries with a long history of migration, and with little attention paid to the children in such families. Difficulties include involuntary separation from family members, isolation and lack of support, disclosure and planning for children's care should the parent(s) die and differences in treatment access within the same family. Numerous research and policy gaps are defined regarding the three themes, and a call is made for thinking about migration, families and AIDS to go beyond description to include resilience theory, and to go beyond prevention to include care.
... partners/lovers most frequently, followed by children, mother, and siblings, and grandparents in their chosen family. Family structures of PLWH in this study are consistent with the diverse nature of families within society.
The purpose of this study was to identify relationships of individuals that people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (PLWH) in a city in the USA include in their family of choice, or chosen family. The convenience sample in this cross-sectional, exploratory study consisted of 150, mostly male and African American PLWH. Participants included partners/lovers most frequently, followed by children, mother, and siblings, and grandparents in their chosen family. Family structures of PLWH in this study are consistent with the diverse nature of families within society.
Social Science and Medicine, 67(9), November 2008, pp.1434-1446.
Publisher:
Elsevier
... is the choice of the unit of analysis in order to recognise and record impact; this is because most cohorts use the household as that unit. This means that the influence of factors outside that unit cannot easily be tracked. In this paper we show how a detailed understanding of the impact of HIV and AIDS on wider families and social networks, obtained through in-depth longitudinal research with a small number the household, so looking at the impact of HIV and AIDS on people's wider families provides pointers to why those who have not had an AIDS-related death in their own household may have failed to prosper. Our qualitative findings show that AIDS may well throw households into disarray and poverty, but more often reduces development and hinders families from getting out of poverty. Used strategically, small
Two significant challenges face researchers tracking HIV-related socio-economic and demographic change over time in large cohort studies. Firstly, data collected in cohort studies established to describe the dynamics of HIV infection may contain no systematic data on household consumption expenditures which is an established measure of current and long-run household welfare. The second challenge is the choice of the unit of analysis in order to recognise and record impact; this is because most cohorts use the household as that unit. This means that the influence of factors outside that unit cannot easily be tracked. In this paper we show how a detailed understanding of the impact of HIV and AIDS on wider families and social networks, obtained through in-depth longitudinal research with a small number of households, can shed light on the findings from quantitative analysis from a larger cohort in the same population in rural Uganda. The findings of large-scale survey data from more than 2000 households over a 12-year period showed a lack of a strong association between poverty, HIV status and/or death of the household head. In-depth ethnographic research with 26 households in 1991/2 and a restudy of the same households in 2006/7 provide insights into the reasons for this finding: the choice of socio-economic indicators and support from other family and community members play a part in affecting survey findings on the impact of HIV at household level. One other factor is important in explaining the findings. HIV-infected family members from outside the household may drain resources from the household, so looking at the impact of HIV and AIDS on people's wider families provides pointers to why those who have not had an AIDS-related death in their own household may have failed to prosper. Our qualitative findings show that AIDS may well throw households into disarray and poverty, but more often reduces development and hinders families from getting out of poverty. Used strategically, small longitudinal studies can provide important information with which to explain patterns observed in large-scale quantitative datasets.
Subject terms:
HIV AIDS, longitudinal studies, research methods, families;
Social Science and Medicine, 64(10), May 2007, pp.2058-2069.
Publisher:
Elsevier
The astounding rise in the number of orphans due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic has left many Ethiopian families and communities with enormous childcare problems. Available studies on the capacity and sustainability of the extended family system, which culturally performs the role of care for children in need, suggest two competing theories. The first is grounded in the social rupture thesis the paper concludes that interventions for orphans may consider care as a continuum in the light of four profiles of extended families, namely rupturing, transient, adaptive, and capable families.
The astounding rise in the number of orphans due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic has left many Ethiopian families and communities with enormous childcare problems. Available studies on the capacity and sustainability of the extended family system, which culturally performs the role of care for children in need, suggest two competing theories. The first is grounded in the social rupture thesis and assumes that the traditional system of orphan care is stretched by the impact of the epidemic, and is actually collapsing. By contrast, the second theory counter-suggests that the flexibility and strength of the informal childcare practise, if supported by appropriate interventions, can still support a large number of orphans. Based on a seven-month period of child-focused, qualitative research fieldwork in Ethiopia involving observations; in-depth interviews with orphans (42), social workers (12) and heads of households (18); focus group discussions with orphans (8), elderly people and community leaders (6); and story-writing by children in school contexts, this article explores the trade-offs and social dynamics of orphan care within extended family structures in Ethiopia. It argues that there is a rural–urban divide in the capacity to cater for orphans that emanates from structural differences as well as the socio-cultural and economic values associated with children. The care of orphans within extended family households is also characterised by multiple and reciprocal relationships in care-giving and care-receiving practices. By calling for a contextual understanding of the ‘orphan burden’, the paper concludes that interventions for orphans may consider care as a continuum in the light of four profiles of extended families, namely rupturing, transient, adaptive, and capable families.
Culture, Health and Sexuality, 8(6), November 2006, pp.487-500.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
The HIV epidemic has had major impact on men who have sex with men in China. Most current studies view male-to-male sex as a behavioural dimension or variable affecting HIV infection, paying little attention to the socio‐cultural meanings of homosexuality and their impacts on men's experiences with HIV/AIDS. This oversight has impeded understanding of the health practices of this population. Based on a qualitative study of experiences of Chinese people living with HIV/AIDS, this paper explores the complex processes in which men who have sex with men struggle and negotiate with their sexuality, family obligations, and this disease. To facilitate Chinese men who have sex with men in responding effectively to HIV and AIDS, researchers and practitioners should take into account a wide range of contextual factors including desired gender roles, family obligations, homophobia, and HIV-related stigma that contribute to current constructions of ‘homosexuality’ in China.
The HIV epidemic has had major impact on men who have sex with men in China. Most current studies view male-to-male sex as a behavioural dimension or variable affecting HIV infection, paying little attention to the socio‐cultural meanings of homosexuality and their impacts on men's experiences with HIV/AIDS. This oversight has impeded understanding of the health practices of this population. Based on a qualitative study of experiences of Chinese people living with HIV/AIDS, this paper explores the complex processes in which men who have sex with men struggle and negotiate with their sexuality, family obligations, and this disease. To facilitate Chinese men who have sex with men in responding effectively to HIV and AIDS, researchers and practitioners should take into account a wide range of contextual factors including desired gender roles, family obligations, homophobia, and HIV-related stigma that contribute to current constructions of ‘homosexuality’ in China.
International Social Work, 48(5), September 2005, pp.581-591.
Publisher:
Sage
This article examines the effects of HIV concordance and discordance on marital life. In-depth interviews were conducted with seven couples from Mumbai, India. Thematic analysis of their narratives indicated the influence of HIV concordance and discordance on the spousal relationship, sexual functioning, family formation, care and support, and the future of the family.
This article examines the effects of HIV concordance and discordance on marital life. In-depth interviews were conducted with seven couples from Mumbai, India. Thematic analysis of their narratives indicated the influence of HIV concordance and discordance on the spousal relationship, sexual functioning, family formation, care and support, and the future of the family.
Thousands of UK families are affected by HIV but it can be hard to find support services. Reports on groups meeting this demand. Discusses secrecy, even within families, and reluctance to discuss the subject. Gives a case study of the practical realities of being HIV positive.
Thousands of UK families are affected by HIV but it can be hard to find support services. Reports on groups meeting this demand. Discusses secrecy, even within families, and reluctance to discuss the subject. Gives a case study of the practical realities of being HIV positive.
Professional Social Work, September 2004, pp.12-14.
Publisher:
British Association of Social Workers
Discusses the rising spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa and asks who looks after the children left behind. The problem is worldwide, but particularly acute in Africa. Extended families care for many orphans, but in some areas such traditional community care is becoming impossibly stretched. Numbers of child-headed households and street children have increased. Such children are easily exposed
Discusses the rising spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa and asks who looks after the children left behind. The problem is worldwide, but particularly acute in Africa. Extended families care for many orphans, but in some areas such traditional community care is becoming impossibly stretched. Numbers of child-headed households and street children have increased. Such children are easily exposed to exploitation, violence and abuse. Work in Rwanda and Malawi is described. A list of key steps towards providing better support is given.
Families in Society, 84(3), July 2003, pp.377-384.
Publisher:
The Alliance for Children and Families
This American article summarises the results of a qualitative exploratory study that explores the unique meanings that the Puerto Rican culture assigns to AIDS. The primary objective of this study was to capture the experience that is unique to the Puerto Rican family when a member has HIV/AIDS.
This American article summarises the results of a qualitative exploratory study that explores the unique meanings that the Puerto Rican culture assigns to AIDS. The primary objective of this study was to capture the experience that is unique to the Puerto Rican family when a member has HIV/AIDS.