ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on findings from a qualitative study that explored major sources of stress associated with caregiving among informal caregivers in a village in the southern part of Botswana. It suggests that informal caregivers are an integral part of the continuum of care. The chapter discusses the implications for further research, policy and programme development. It draws on both stress theory and self-in-relation theory. Stress theory may help to explain the process through which caregiving-related stress could result in the poor overall physical and psychological effects of those providing care. The chapter argues that caregiving is stressful and therefore results in disequilibrium in the caregiver’s life that can negatively impact the health of the caregivers. Informal caregivers play a pivotal role in combating the spread of HIV and caring for those already affected. Caregivers were motivated by a spirit of servitude, though they had to contend with underlying feelings of anger, bitterness, disillusionment and unresolved fears.
