The impact of caregiver coping strategies and patient level of functioning on perception of caregiver burden among caregivers of persons living with HIV/AIDS in Kenya

摘要

There exists little research on caregiver burden among persons caring for family members with HIV/AIDS in Kenya. Research suggests that coping strategies affect the perception of caregiver burden and caregiver burden increases as a patient's condition deteriorates. This study investigated the impact of coping strategies and activities of daily living on caregiver burden among Kenyans caring for family members living with HIV and AIDS. There was a statistically significant difference on two items of the Caregiver Burden Inventory based on patient's total Activities of Daily Living {ADL) score. When ADLs were considered separately, there were no significant differences in caregiver burden by ADL scores. The combined coping scales on the Brief COPE were a significant predictor of caregiver burden. Self-blame, substance use, and behavioral disengagement were significantly related to caregiver burden. Implications for counselors, social workers, and researchers are discussed.