| Abstract: | ABSTRACT This qualitative study explores the religious and spiritual supports grandparent custodial caregivers seek from the African-American church. Six female, Christian African-American HIV-affected grandparents living in North Carolina were interviewed. These caregivers perceive God and prayer to be essential to their intrinsic ability to cope. In addition to having the church pray for persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families, the grandparents would like the church to take a more active role in educating the community on HIV/AIDS prevention and in reducing the stigma associated with the disease. They seek little church support for themselves personally, but hope that through the church's efforts, others will not have to endure what they are experiencing. With this knowledge comes better informing HIV/AIDS education program design. |
