Time-related circumstances define youths' self-management following the unexpected loss of a family member to HIV/AIDS

Abstract

Abstract Background: There is a high incidence of depression in youth who are stressed, making them less likely to engage in active self-management strategies such as exercise due to the trauma of losing a family member. Youths visit public hospitals for various reasons, including panic attacks and anxiety, which are often experienced after the passing of a family member. The aim was to explore the lived experiences of youths on managing themselves after losing a family member to HIV/AIDS and develop guidelines for nurses to advise youths on self-management following the loss of a family member to HIV/AIDS. Methods: A descriptive phenomenological design was followed for a study at a Comprehensive Healthcare Clinic in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The sample was selected through purposive sampling until data saturation was achieved. Individual semi-structured interviews with 11 participants were conducted, after which data saturation was established. Results: Accordingly, based on the findings, the research developed guidelines that nurses can use to advise youths on self-managing themselves after the unexpected loss of a family member to HIV/AIDS. Conclusion: The youths need to practice self-management during unexpected situations to cope with the death of family members with HIV/AIDS. Nurses at the Comprehensive Healthcare Clinic can use the developed guidelines to assist youth on self-management.