Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Comprehensive & Cost Effective Laboratory Monitoring of HIV/AIDS: an African Role Model
Published on: October 31, 2010
Women coping with AIDS in Africa: contributions of a contextually grounded research methodology
René Brandt1, Andrew Dawes, Rachel Bray
1Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, and Child, Youth and Family Development, Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa. renebrandt@eject.co.za
The primary objective of this report is to describe a contextually grounded approach to the investigation of coping and psychological functioning in AIDS-sick mothers. Five AIDS-sick women on antiretroviral therapy who had at least one child under 6 years of age living in their households were interviewed. Among the issues that emerged was the complexity of the women's psychological functioning, the fact that they made strategic decisions about disclosure aimed at protecting important social support networks, and that their well-being was dynamically influenced by factors in the home and community. The study provides evidence for the value of a contextual approach when investigating the psychological functioning of HIV positive mothers living in poor high-HIV prevalence communities in developing countries.
The primary objective of this report is to describe a contextually grounded approach to the investigation of coping and psychological functioning in AIDS-sick mothers. Five AIDS-sick women on antiretroviral therapy who had at least one child under 6 years of age living in their households were interviewed. Among the issues that emerged was the complexity of the women's psychological functioning, the fact that they made strategic decisions about disclosure aimed at protecting important social support networks, and that their well-being was dynamically influenced by factors in the home and community. The study provides evidence for the value of a contextual approach when investigating the psychological functioning of HIV positive mothers living in poor high-HIV prevalence communities in developing countries.
Related Concept Videos
Impact of Social Context on Individuals
Amebiasis
Horney's Sociocultural Approach
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Bias in Epidemiological Studies
Retrovirus Life Cycles

