The hidden victims of AIDS: healthcare workers and families

With the realization that acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is an epidemic, the focus on prevention and treatment of the AIDS patients has intensified. However, there has been a lack of recognition of other potential victims. Specifically, little attention has been paid to the psychological impact of AIDS on healthcare workers who care for AIDS patients and on families of AIDS victims. In addition to confronting the premature dying of a young patient, both healthcare workers and families must confront their own conflicts regarding the stigmatizing nature of AIDS as it relates to the patient's sexuality or drug abuse. Failure to resolve these issues often serves as a major obstacle to the provision of effective medical care and prevents families from providing the essential emotional support that can help patients cope with their illness. Furthermore, failure to resolve family conflicts about the patient's life-style may significantly impair the grieving process and may lead to family disengagement and dissolution. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on the impact of AIDS on healthcare workers and families, and to propose intervention strategies which will alleviate stress and facilitate appropriate psychological adaptation. "....this dreadful disease is not only killing young people in the prime of life and destroying their familial and social relationships. It is also damaging the bond between the care giver and the patient with AIDS as well."