The protective role of social support for the health of caregivers of children in HIV-endemic South Africa
In HIV-endemic areas of Southern Africa, the increasing number of orphans and vulnerable children in need of care have been taken in mainly by the extended family. Primary caregivers of children in poor HIV-endemic communities represent a high risk population for mental and physical health conditions, as a result of health risks associated with caregiving in difficult social and financial conditions. Evidence also suggests that caregivers living with HIV, and its related stressors, may be particularly at risk for poor health. In contexts of limited institutional support and formal health services, "informal" support from family, friends and the broader community may constitute a valuable resource for coping and health. Research with diverse adult populations - including HIV-affected individuals and caregivers of children - has shown more social support to be directly associated with better health outcomes (main effects) and/or to buffer against negative effects of stress or specific stressors on health (stress-buffering effects). However, the protective effects of social support on health have remained vastly under-explored in the Southern Africa region. Moreover, in Southern Africa and beyond, key gaps remain in our understanding of the mediating mechanisms and pathways explaining the support-health relationship.
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