ABSTRACT
In time of illness, despite professional intervention, the primary source of care or support in most cultures remains the family. One person, by habit or inclination, usually becomes the primary health agent or natural caregiver within the family. However, AIDS, like any fatal or chronic illness, imposes a stress which may have long term disruptive effects on the family system or which may stimulate the family to reorganize its structure or to increase the cohesion of its members (Durham & Cohen, 1987; Flaskerud & Ungarski, 1992).
