title: Educational needs of family caregivers of persons living with HIV/AIDS in Thailand.
abstract: As the AIDS epidemic continues to overwhelm the acute care hospital system in Thailand, an increasing number of family members are required to provide care for persons living with AIDS (PLWA) in their homes. In response to the increasing demand for home care, a qualitative study using focus group methodology was conducted to learn more about the need for education and support for family caregivers of PLWA in Thailand. Eighteen family caregivers and 18 nurses caring for PLWA participated in four focus group discussions. The major themes identified were fear, stigma, sorrow, empathy, hopelessness, and hope. In addition, participants voiced a need for education to improve the knowledge and skills related to care of PLWA. These findings will be used to guide the development of a training program for family caregivers.
authors.affiliation: Community Nursing Division, Nursing Department, Ramathibodi Hospital Faculty of Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Wantana
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Maneesriwongul
authors.forename: Suntharee
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Panutat
authors.forename: Panwadee
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Putwatana
authors.forename: Yupapin
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Srirapo-ngam
authors.forename: Ladawan
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ounprasertpong
authors.forename: Ann B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D004645:Empathy; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006701:Home Nursing / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009013:Morale; D020380:Needs Assessment; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013240:Stereotyping; D013785:Thailand