A phenomenological study of the beliefs of family caregivers of children living with HIV/AIDS on adherence to antiretroviral therapy

AIM: To explore the beliefs of family caregivers on adherence to Anti‐Retroviral Therapy (ART) among children living with HIV/AIDS that received care at St. Joseph's Hospital, Jirapa, Ghana. DESIGN: A qualitative phenomenological design was employed for this study. METHOD: Data was gathered using a semi‐structured in‐depth interview guide from 13 family caregivers of children with HIV/AIDS on ART. Analysis was done using the reflexive thematic analysis approach. RESULTS: Three major themes were generated during the analysis: “Beliefs regarding the effectiveness of ART”; “Beliefs regarding taking ART”; and “Beliefs regarding other treatments for HIV/AIDS”. Most caregivers believed that the ARTs were effective and improved their children's health, especially when adhered to strictly. Some, however, believed in praying to God for healing, and the use of local/herbal to augment ARTs. CONCLUSION: Family caregivers generally hold positive beliefs about ARTs and its effectiveness for their children. Some, however, believe in spirits, prayers, and herbal/local treatment in addition to ARTs.