UCSF

Despite increasing numbers of studies investigating grandparent-caregivers of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa, research on their mental and physical health remains inadequate. We provide a qualitative account of the nature, extent, and relationships among multiple variations of loss emerging from 32 interviews with Ugandan grandparent-caregivers of grandchildren affected by HIV/AIDS. Regardless the type or nature of the loss, participants expressed physical, emotional, and financial distress as a result. This cumulative loss and subsequent grief could potentially be associated with mental and physical health problems. Research to further explore the concept of loss among this vulnerable population is recommended.