An HIV and AIDS group work programme empowering adolescents for the possible death of their caregivers

Thesis (Ph.D. (Social Work))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.The overarching objective of this study was to develop and empirically evaluate an HIV and AIDS group work programme empowering adolescents to deal with the possible death of their parents/caregivers. This thesis comprised five sections: Section A contains the problem statement, research objectives and the procedures that were followed. Furthermore the limitations of this study were discussed, the definitions of key words were given and an exposition was given of the composition of the research report. The problem statement can be condensed as follows: The large and growing number of adolescents affected by HIV and AIDS makes knowledge concerning their needs essential so as to provide effective interventions. A better understanding of the emotional, social and health needs of adolescents of HIV-infected parents is essential. Responses to adolescents affected by HIV and AIDS should address their needs. Programme development must be done in response to adolescents' needs via their active participation in the entire process. The problem statement led to five research aims. The concurrent embedded strategy was used in this study and was implemented with a mixed method design model. Interviews and questionnaires were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data simultaneously. Literature studies were conducted on the themes HIV and AIDS, adolescence, the needs of adolescents and group work. Section B consists of four articles that together formed the report on the research outcomes. Each article was a report on a particular sub-project of the research and had, as a self-contained unit, an own research aim, research method and report. Each article was linked to the central aim, the objectives and the content of the umbrella research project. The four articles were: > ARTICLE 1: A profile of adolescents' households infected with or affected by HIV and AIDS: A comprehensive profile of adolescents' households infected with or affected by HIV and AIDS was drafted, based on the results gained from interviews with and the completion of questionnaires by 169 households. Data collected and discussed included various demographic data regarding the households, their health and well-being, school attendance as well as information on child-headed households. > ARTICLE 2: The needs of adolescents in households infected with or affected by HIV and AIDS: The needs of adolescents whose caregivers are infected with or affected by HIV and AIDS were discussed. Various basic and developmental needs of adolescents were discussed as well as specific needs they may experience when their caregivers become infected with or affected by HIV and AIDS. > ARTICLE 3: An HIV and AIDS group work programme empowering adolescents to deal with the possible death of their parents/caregivers: An HIV and AIDS group work programme was developed, preparing adolescents for the death of their parents/caretakers and empowering them with skills to be able to deal with it. A needs assessment was done on a large number of adolescents from households infected with or affected by HIV and AIDS. The selection of members for this programme, as well as guidelines for group work with adolescents, were discussed. This article focused mainly on the themes and contents of the designed group work programme. > ARTICLE 4: The evaluation of an HIV and AIDS group work programme empowering adolescents for the possible death of their parents/caregivers: The programme was implemented with 8 adolescents in an experimental group and 8 adolescents in the control group. The Child Functioning Inventory High School (CFI-HIGH) and the Generalized Contentment Scale (GCS) were used as quantitative measuring instruments at two occasions with both groups. The experimental group was also qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated by means of a self-developed questionnaire. Section C provided a summary of the findings and conclusions of the research report in total and some recommendations are provided. Section D consisted of various addenda, such as questionnaires and measuring instruments that were used. Section E contained an integrated bibliography.Doctora