Contribution of caretakers to the low self-esteem of adolescents living with HIV/aids in Kalungu district

Abstract

This study was intended to analyze the contribution of caretakers to the low self-esteem of adolescents living with HIV/AIDS. Self- esteem is a person’s complete sense of their worth. It is how much someone likes, respects and values themselves. Research shows that the existence of low self-esteem is high among Adolescents Living with HIV (ALHIV), compared to their HIV negative peers, which is evidenced through the feeling of unworthiness about one’s HIV status which prevents them from living a full and enjoyable life. Scholars have attributed this to factors like rejection, loss of social identity and non-disclosure. The contribution of the caretakers to the low self-esteem of ALHIV has been overlooked and is silent in the literature. This study therefore sought to address this gap, found in the literature, by assessing the contribution of the caretakers to the low self- esteem of ALHIV. A qualitative single case study design was used to collect and analyze data using interview guides. The research was driven by three objectives; To assess the caretakers’ knowledge on HIV/AIDS and its impact on the self-esteem among ALHIV, To determine the caretakers’ attitude towards the ALHIV, and To establish the challenges caretakers face while taking care of ALHIV in Kalungu district; a case of Lukaya Healthcare Centre. Lukaya town council was selected because it is one of the hot spots for HIV/AIDS in greater Masaka region, while Lukaya Healthcare Centre is the biggest ART Clinic in the district. The study found out that most ALHIV have a low self-esteem, according to the scores from the Adolescent Self-Esteem Questionnaire Tool, and caretakers play a big role and have contributed greatly to the low self-esteem of these ALHIV because they have spent most of their time with them while growing up, nurturing them and talking into their lives. The study further found out that the caretaker’ lack of knowledge on the basics of HIV/AIDS, their negative attitude towards the ALHIV and the challenges they face as caretakers while taking care of the ALHIV are some of the things that have caused the caretakers to make this great contribution of to the low self-esteem of adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV). In order to boost the self-esteem of ALHIV, both ALHIV and caretakers should be sensitized on what self-esteem is, the public in general should be taught the meaning of HIV/AIDS, caretakers should be cautioned on their attitude and should be supported to with income generating activities.