The needs of children in middle childhood orphaned by HIV/AIDS

Abstract

The goal of this study was to explore the needs of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in middle childhood, The objectives were:<ul> <li>To describe phenomenon of HIV/AIDS</li> <li>To describe the phenomenon of children in middle childhood affected by HIV/AIDS in South Africa</li> <li>To explore the specific needs of children in middle childhood orphaned by HIV/AIDS by means of an empirical study</li> <li>To make recommendations for professionals and non-professionals intervening with children in middle childhood orphaned by HIV/AIDS in South Africa.</li></ul> This is an applied, qualitative research study. The research design used is phenomenology. The study was conducted at Child Welfare South Africa ( Potchefstroom) in the North West Province. The goal of this study was to explore the needs of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in middle childhood. The sample consisted of ten black children aged between 6 – 12 years, of both genders, who are orphaned by HIV/AIDS and are clients of Child Welfare, South Africa in Potchefstroom. This sample was selected using purposive sampling where the researcher used her judgment to select the ten respondents. Before conducting the main research a pilot study was conducted. Two children who are in the same age group were interviewed but did not form part of the sample. The researcher did her best to adhere to ethical considerations. She ensured that the respondents understood the goal of the study, their roles in the study and the experience that they may have to go through during the study. In order to ensure anonymity in research reports aggregated information rather than individual information will be used. A semi-structured interview schedule was used to collect data during the one-to-one interviews, which was tape recorded. At the end of the session the researcher transcribed the audio - taped interview recordings. The transcribed interview notes were used to organize information by applying labels, themes and sub themes that will draw different parts of the information that had been collected. The findings were released in a mini-dissertation and the data collected remained anonymous. The report is accurate and reflects the true facts. All sources and assistance were acknowledged.