Caregivers Predicament in helping Orphaned and Vulnerable Children to Cope with HIV/AIDS Stigma in Bauchi metropolis Nigeria

Abstract

This paper aims to identify the practical issues affecting the role of caregivers in relation to religion as a significant cultural factor. The theoretical lens for the study was the Structuration theory postulated by Giddens (1984). A mixed-method approach was adopted through a descriptive cross-sectional survey. Thus, data were collected within the Bauchi metropolis from 218 caregivers using both questionnaires and interview. The key informant interviews were conducted on officials of Government agencies and NGOs. A Pragmatist world view led to the application of the sequential transformative approach of quantitative and qualitative
methodology. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used to analyze the quantitative data using descriptive statistics such as frequency, and percentages, while NVivo software was used to analyze qualitative data synthesis and prose thematically. The findings of the study revealed that the influence of cultural factors such as religion, and social Attitude has a significant impact on the role of caregivers in providing help to children with HIV and AIDS to overcome social stigma in Bauchi Metropolis. The study also identified other challenges and difficulties including lack of caregiver education, lack of professional knowledge of the Social casework approach to issues of social stigma, and lack of utilization of consultation and case referral for further inquiry/collaboration with other caregivers. Using the orientation of structuration theory, the study concludes that, what tends to render most caregivers unable to properly handle issues of social stigma in addition to the cultural factors identified, including
lack of incentive by governmental structures to support caregivers in working with vulnerable children and HIV/AIDS orphans cope with the social stigma. The study, therefore, recommends the empowerment of caregivers with skills acquisitions, training, workshops and be part of the decision-making structures on programs related to HIV and AIDS.