Experiences of Caregivers in Healthcare for and Social Support of HIV Positive Children Attending Schools in Bangkok

SummaryPurposeThe study was conducted to explore caregivers' experiences and perceptions of barriers to their children receiving appropriate healthcare and support at schools in Thailand.MethodA qualitative narrative study was conducted to achieve the aim stated above. Twenty caregivers of children living with HIV/AIDS attending schools in Bangkok were interviewed in depth. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and analyzed using narrative analysis.ResultsThe analysis indicated that caregivers fear discrimination, suffer from stigma and most do not reveal their child's HIV status to schools. Obstacles to children living with HIV/AIDS getting appropriate care and support in schools are persistent. Caregivers need to collaborate with the public health sector to provide HIV education and support for themselves and for teachers; community nurses would be well placed to provide this.ConclusionOur findings can inform the design of systems for educational and social support alongside adequate healthcare for children living with HIV/AIDS attending school. The Thai government needs to establish collaboration between the educational and health sectors to reduce the stigma of HIV, promote acceptance and provide support.