Caregiving challenges among caregivers of children living with HIV: A descriptive qualitative study

With the widespread use of antiretroviral therapy (ART), survival rates among children living with HIV have improved. Research has shifted its focus from simply treating the disease to providing comprehensive care and support. This study aims to gain an in-depth understanding of the caregiving challenges faced by caregivers of children living with HIV and to provide a reference for developing more comprehensive programs to improve their caregiving capacity.

This study used a descriptive qualitative design. Between October and December 2025, 22 caregivers of children living with HIV in Sichuan Province were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews. We analyzed the interview data using thematic analysis to identify and refine key themes.

Four themes regarding the caregiving challenges faced by caregivers of children living with HIV were identified: challenges in long-term medication management; multiple challenges in HIV status disclosure; gaps in multilevel support during caregiving; dual physical and psychological burden among caregivers.

The study reveals caregivers of children living with HIV are facing multiple challenges. Caregivers' limited skills in long-term medication management and HIV status disclosure, coupled with their own physical and psychological burdens and limited support, may compromise effective care for children living with HIV.

Healthcare professionals should focus on children's medication adherence at school, strengthen psychological support and other professional support for children living with HIV and their caregivers, thereby promoting the physical and mental health development of children living with HIV.