HIV/AIDS and mental health of nursing mothers in Karusandara Subcounty, Kasese District
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Date
2015-08
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Kampala International University, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Abstract
This study focused on REV/AIDS and mental health of nursing mothers in Karusandara sub
county, Kasese district, Uganda. The three specific objectives were based on to collect data,
these included; to assess the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Karusandara sub-county, Kasese
District, to examine how WV/AIDS affect the mental health of nursing mothers and to
suggest ways of improving mental health of nursing mothers in Karusanda subcounty, Kasese
district
Findings of the study showed that the prevalence of HIV/AIDs on average among nursing
mothers in Karusandara sub-county is increasing as represented by (37.5%) and has a great
influence on the mental health of nursing mothers because vulnerable mothers experience
trauma when they get to know that they have HIV/Aids and yet coping methods are very rare
and the ability to care for themselves also is not reliable hence becoming mentally ill. It was
also established that the level of distress often seems to be related to the severity of symptoms
of HIV infection (39.6%). Coping styles and learnt resourcefulness may shape the experience
of depressive symptoms and the ability to care for oneself (56%). Family relationships and
the support of a partner can also influence mental health consequences (44%). The diagnosis
of mental health problems in HIV-infected individuals faces several barriers like lack of
psychiatrists at the health centres and poverty which makes it had to get early treatment.
1-lowever, the study suggested that massive sensitization (30%) about the effects of
HI V/AIDS, improving nutrition (25%), poverty reduction and reducing workload will help to
improve mental health of mothers. The study therefore recommends that more primary
health-care providers, including HIV counsellors, can be trained to recognize and treat
common mental disorders and refer patients to specialized services when warranted should be enforced as well as creating more awareness about HIV/AIDS and its effects among the general population.
Description
A research report submitted to the College of Humanities and Social Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a Degree of’ Social Work and Social Administration of Kampala International University
Keywords
HIV/AIDS, Mental health, Nursing mothers, Karusandara Subcounty, Kasese District