Comparison of Self-Care Behavior Between HIV/AIDS Infected and Non-Infected Mothers

Abstract

This qualitative research aims to study the comparison of self-care behavior between HIV/AIDS infected and non-infected mothers, conducted by interviewing data of 6 aspects of self-care behavior under Orem’s self-care framework. The study cases were 8 HIV/AIDS infected postpartum mothers and 8 HIV/AIDS non-infected mothers; both groups received postpartum services at gynecology clinic, Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Roi-Et Provincial Hospital. The research results showed that for aspect 1: food, water and air, both groups had adequate 5 nutritious foods. Abstaining from fermented food, tea and coffee were reported in HIV/AIDS infected group, abstaining from fermented fish, fat and sweet food in non-HIV/AIDS infected group. In aspect 2: excretion, there was no difference regarding urination and constipation problem in both groups but in HIV/AIDS infected group, their feces were black during treatment of antiviral. Aspect 3: activity and rest, there was no difference in both groups. Aspect 4: solitude and social interaction, the HIV/AIDS infected group had a single family while the non-HIV/AIDS infected had an extended family support. The family relationship of non-HIV/AIDS infected group was better than that of the HIV/AIDS infected group. Both groups which took care of their children had identical number of family member. Participating in community activities, the HIV/AIDS infected group was more active. Aspect 5: prevention of hazard, the HIV/AIDS infected group fed their children with formula milk while the non-HIV/AIDS infected breastfed their children together with supplements before 6 months. Aspect 6: promotion to normality, both groups were satisfied with their lives but some anxieties over their infection were found in the HIV/AIDS infected group.