Self-management experiences of youth following the unexpected loss of a family member to HIV

Abstract

Background: Death of a close family member is one of the most traumatic events in a person’s life. The way, in which this loss unfolds, varies from person to person and depends on how close you were with the deceased. It was unclear how youths experienced it to manage themselves during different stages of the bereavement process, after losing a near-family member to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).Aim: The aim of this study was to understand the self-management of youth following the unexpected loss of a family member to HIV.Setting: Khayelitsha, Western Cape province, South Africa.Methods: A descriptive phenomenological design was followed, with an accessible population of youth who lost a family member to HIV. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 purposively selected participants after obtaining written informed consent. The sessions, held with an interview schedule, did not take longer than 45 min to conduct until data saturation was reached. A digital recorder was used and field notes held. Open coding was followed after transcribing interviews.Results: Individuals had different experiences during different stages of the bereavement process, not necessarily similar or following the same sequence. Individuals had to manage their guilt of being unable to do more before the family member passed away, struggling to realise that they have a future purpose, and hardship having fond memories.Conclusion: Youth find it difficult to view death as a natural loss of life and to manage themselves after the loss of their loved one to HIV.Contribution: The context-based information in this study confirms the importance of youth and self-coping and self-continuation to plan, organise and direct their future after the loss of a family member.

Insights for enhancing resilience in prolonged crises: impact of COVID-19 pandemic on nurses’ quality of life

“…25 26 Moreover, studies have confirmed the correlation between COVID-19 infection, death of family members and the decline in the quality of life of affected individuals. [27][28][29] Therefore, a portion of the decline in the quality of life of nurses observed in this study can be attributed to these factors. However, there are additional factors that contribute to this decline.…”

Self-management guidelines for youth who have lost a family provider through HIV/AIDS

“…Purposive sampling was based on the researcher’s judgement regarding participants who are typical of or especially knowledgeable about the study phenomenon. Participants were selected based on the features or characteristics which will help to explore the research questions (Brink et al, 2018 :159; Hlophe & Jooste 2022 :2). This research used semi-structured interviews with 11 young individuals who had lost a family member to HIV/AIDS.…”

“…The primary purpose was to request their assistance in determining the possible candidate for the study and refer them to the researcher. The possible participants had to be willing to participate in the study voluntarily (Hlophe & Jooste 2022 :3). Following consultations with patients, those who agree to see the researcher and where possible potential participants from the study were requested to go see the researcher in the private room for the interviews.…”

“…Theme 4: Support measures for the next of kin (Hlophe & Jooste 2022 : 6). This article is based on theme 3, which seeks to address how the CHC can support or advise the youths on how to manage themselves after losing a family member to HIV/AIDS.…”

Support measures for the next of kin who has experienced the unexpected loss of a family member to HIV/AIDS

“…Youth going through the unexpected death of a family member, should be assisted with handling grief and setting up a positive intellect set around figuring it out their future. Youth are defined as persons between 18 and 25 years in the state or quality of being young, energetic, and immature [ 2 ].…”