Psychosocial effects experienced by grandmothers as primary caregivers in rural Botswana

Studies on the psychosocial effects of grandmothers as primary caregivers in Botswana are non-existent. The purpose of this study was to close that knowledge gap. Twenty-five (n = 25) grandmothers who were primary caregivers to their grandchildren in one rural village of Botswana were interviewed twice a week between January and May 2006. A central theme that emerged from the interviews under psychological effects was 'disenfranchised grief' with sub themes that included depression, loneliness, blaming and stress. The themes that emerged on social effects included isolation, loss of control, unavailability of mental health services, financial hardships and a sense of failure for some participants. Implications for mental health practitioners and policy makers are given.