Pathways and Motivations for Raising Relatives’ Children Orphaned by HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia

Abstract

This study used qualitative interviews to explore the motivations and pathways Ethiopian kin caregivers experience as they raise HIV affected relatives' children. Living arrangements, family expectations, relatives' inability to care for the child, and prior relationship emerged as themes that described usual pathways that had led kin caregivers to assume the caregiving responsibilities. Lacking other alternatives for children's care was the main motivation for kin caregivers to become involved in caring for their relatives' children. Understanding these pathways and motivations for taking on caregiving responsibilities may help practitioners and policy makers to support and strengthen the family system as a major approach to care for orphans and vulnerable children in Sub-Sahara African countries.