Department of Social Work, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
Online published on 7 May, 2014.
Community reactions towards people with HIV/AIDS and their parents who are the primary caregivers is the main thrust of this study. The study was conducted in Mezam, Menchum, and Donga/Mantung Divisions in the North West Region of Cameroon. Qualitative information was obtained from focus group discussion with parents of adults who had either died of AIDS or were currently HIV positive and receiving ART. Three FGDs and three IDIs sessions were conducted with parents who are 60 years and above. Findings show that community support for elderly parents of people living with HIV/AIDS exist generally though there are a few cases of discrimination and stigma. It is recommended that campaign should be intensified on transmission modes and ART usage as this will go a long way towards reducing discrimination and stigma in the community.
Community reaction, elderly parents, HIV/AIDS, social support, funeral expenses