Posttraumatic stress symptoms among adults caring for orphaned children in HIV-endemic South Africa
Kuo, C.; Reddy, M.K.; Operario, D.; Cluver, L.; Stein, D.J.
Aids and Behavior 17(5): 1755-1763
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 1573-3254 PMID: 23539187 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-013-0461-9Document Number: 574780
There is growing evidence that mental health is a significant issue among families affected by AIDS-related parental deaths. The current study examined posttraumatic stress symptoms and identified risk factors among adults caring for AIDS-orphaned and other-orphaned children in an HIV-endemic South African community. A representative community sample of adults caring for children (N = 1,599) was recruited from Umlazi Township. Of the 116 participants who reported that a traumatic event was still bothering them, 19 % reported clinically significant posttraumatic stress symptoms. Of the 116 participants, caregivers of AIDS-orphaned and other-orphaned children were significantly more likely to meet threshold criteria for PTSD (28 %) compared to caregivers of non-orphaned children (10 %). Household receipt of an old age pension was identified as a possible protective factor for PTSD symptoms among caregivers of orphaned children. Services are needed to address PTSD symptoms among caregivers of orphaned children.
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