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Stigma, fatigue and social breakdown: Exploring the impacts of HIV/AIDS on patient and carer well-being in the Caprivi Region, Namibia

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  • Thomas, Felicity

Abstract

It is generally assumed that caring is a substantial burden upon households afflicted by HIV/AIDS. However, as a 'private' household responsibility, little is known about the experiences of either those who provide the care, or those receiving care, despite the fact that the process may extend over several years and may have a greater impact upon the livelihood security and well-being of the household than the actual death of the ill person. Drawing upon data collected through solicited diaries, this paper explores how illness and the daily and long-term duties of caring amongst a sample of households in the Caprivi Region of Namibia impacts upon the physical and psychological well-being of ill people and their carers. While optimism and enhanced well-being were recorded during periods of illness remission, AIDS-related illnesses invariably result in periods of sickness and dependency. This results in disempowerment and lowered self-esteem, and decreased well-being amongst ill people. This paper argues that the increasing dependency of the ill person, widespread pressure to maintain household integrity through 'seeing for yourself', i.e. being self-sufficient, or at least contributing to reciprocal support networks, and the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS can result in considerable intra-household tension and breakdown of key social support networks.

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  • Thomas, Felicity, 2006. "Stigma, fatigue and social breakdown: Exploring the impacts of HIV/AIDS on patient and carer well-being in the Caprivi Region, Namibia," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 63(12), pages 3174-3187, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:63:y:2006:i:12:p:3174-3187
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    2. Liamputtong, Pranee & Haritavorn, Niphattra & Kiatying-Angsulee, Niyada, 2009. "HIV and AIDS, stigma and AIDS support groups: Perspectives from women living with HIV and AIDS in central Thailand," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 69(6), pages 862-868, September.
    3. Dako-Gyeke, Mavis, 2018. "Courtesy stigma: A concealed consternation among caregivers of people affected by leprosy," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 196(C), pages 190-196.
    4. Hejoaka, Fabienne, 2009. "Care and secrecy: Being a mother of children living with HIV in Burkina Faso," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 69(6), pages 869-876, September.

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