The relationship between the family member and the child with AIDS: understanding in the light of Martin Buber.

Abstract

This qualitative study with a phenomenological approach aimed at understanding what it means to be a family caregiver of a child living with the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in the light of Martin Buber’s philosophy. The study was carried out at the Pediatric outpatient Unit of a teaching hospital of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil with the participation of 7 family caregivers. Data was collected between September and October, 2006 using phenomenological interviews, and interpreted using Ricouer’s hermeneutics. The ethical issues were considered. Being a family member of a child with AIDS is a complex existential phenomenon including changes, caring, dialogues, and concerns in search of the wellbeing of both children and caretaker in the world. Understanding the meaning of these phenomena the life of these families is essential to Nursing in order to plan and to develop a humanistic, ethical, esthetical, and solidary care.