Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the coping strategies of caregivers of HIV/AIDS orphans. A descriptive study design was used with a convenience sample of 30 orphan care givers in Bikita province ward 15, Masvingo, Zimbabwe. Permission to carry out the study was obtained from the respective ethical review boards. Informed consent was obtained from all the participants. Data was collected using face to face interviews following a structured questionnaire. The main findings were that 73.3% of the respondents were elderly care givers and that there were more widows 20 (66%) than married care givers, 8 (27%). Being old meant that these care givers needed to be taken care of themselves. They needed additional information on caring for the young nowadays which is different to what they experienced. About 24 (80%) care givers had financial problems yet all the care givers needs require money. Growing of vegetables, maize and selling any surplus was the main coping strategy of orphan care givers. The main coping strategy is working of the orphan caregivers; however there is need of providing vocational skills and income generating projects by the authorities in the community.