Weakened social network: The experience of caregivers of the HIV-exposed infant

Abstract

This study aimed to know the social network and social support the caregiver had available to take care of children exposed to HIV in the postnatal period. It is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach that used the theoretical framework of Symbolic Interactionism. Data were collected through interviews with 36 caregivers of children born to HIV-infected mothers who were followed up in a specialized service in the Northeast of Brazil and they were analyzed by inductive content analysis. The results revealed three categories that show the family and expert service as the main social networks of the caregiver and little emotional, information, instrumental and appreciation support received both in the family and in the context of health services. Interventions are needed to strengthen the weakened social network of the caregiver and to qualify and include nursing care in the context of children exposed to HIV.