Experiences of children living in HIV/AIDS-affected child-headed families at Rufaro Community Triangle in Chiredzi District of Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Background: Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is one of the major public health problems that has negatively impacted mostly orphans leaving in child-headed families in the world. A child- headed family is defined as a family, living under the same roof, which is headed by a person under the age of 18 years. Many of these children have become heads of households and they are obliged to look after themselves and siblings. As a result, some children drop out from school while looking for jobs to sustain the family. Purpose: The purpose of the study is to explore and describe the experiences of children in HIV/AIDS-affected child-headed families in Zimbabwe. Methodology: The researcher employed qualitative approach with explorative, descriptive, contextual and phenomenological designs. Nonprobability purposive sampling was used to select the participant. Children aged between 12-18 years were selected as they were able to narrate their life experiences. In-depth face to face individual interviews were used to collect data pertaining to experiences of children in HIV/AIDS child-headed families. Data was transcribed verbatim, and then translated from Shona to English. The data was then analysed following Tesch’s eight steps model. Findings: The findings of the study revealed that children in HIV/AIDS-affected child-headed families were lacking basic commodities such as food, clothing, shelter and clean water. The findings also revealed that children living in HIV/AIDS-affected child-headed families were being abused physically, sexually, emotionally and verbally. The findings of the study also revealed that children living in HIV/AIDS-affected child-headed families received support from the government, non-governmental organisations, community and relatives.