HIV/AIDS and Mental Health of Nursing Mothers in Karudandara Subcounty, Kasese District.

ABSTRACT

This study focused on HIV/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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION.

APPROVAl ii

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv

LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS vH

ABSTRACT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction

I .1 Background 1

1.2 Problem statement 4

1.3 General objective 5

1.4 Research questions

1.5 Scope of the study

1.6 Significance of the study 6

CHAPTER TWO 7

LITERATURE REVIEW 7

2.0 Introduction 7

2.1 Influence of Prevalence of HIV/AIDS and Mental Health of Nursing Mothers 7

2.2 Prevalence of HIV/AIDS and Mental Illnesses 9

2.3 How HlV/AIDS Affect Mental Health of Nursing Mothers 12

CHAPTER THREE 15

METHODOLOGY 15

3.0 Introduction

3.1 Research design 15

3.2 Area and population of study 15

3.3 Sample Size& Sample Design 15

V

3.4. Data Collection Methods .16

3.6 Quality control 16

3.7 Data analysis 17

3,8 Ethical procedure 17

3.9 Limitations of the study 17

CHAPTER FOUR 19

PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS, INTERPRETATION AND DISCUSSION 19

4.0 Introduction 19

4.!. I3ackground information of respondents 19

4.2. Prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Karusandura sub-county, Kasese district 22

4.3 How HIV/AIDs affect the mental health of nursing others in Karusandara subcounty, Kasese

District......................................................... 24

CHAPTER IV ....................................................29

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS...... 29

5.0 Introduction.................................................... 29

5.1. Summary of findings................................................... 29

5.2 Conclusion............................................................. 31

5.3 Recommendations.......................................................... 32

REFERENCES............................................................ 34

APPENDICES 36

APPENDIX A: QUESTIONNAIRES ............................................. 36

APPENDIX 13: INTERVIEW GUIDE ...........................39