Wassenaar, Douglas Richard.Du Plessis, Eugene.2011-08-172011-08-1720022002http://hdl.handle.net/10413/3456Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2002.This study employed a qualitative hermeneutic methodology to compare and explore the stress faced by families caring for a family member with cancer or HIV/AIDS. Four 'Indian' families, two with a family member with cancer and two with a family member with HIV/AIDS, were purposiveiy sampled through NGOs in Pietermaritzburg and Durban. Generally it appeared that the illnesses brought about a range of stressors in families including fmancial and care-related stressors, role changes, difficulties accessing medical treatment, uncertainty and the psychological responses of family members. The impact of these on families was mediated by the families' abilities, social support, a variety of meaning factors and stigma. It did however, appear that families caring for a family member with HIV/AIDS had to cope with several additional burdens including coping with a more prolonged and variable period of illness, fears of infection, increased difficulties accessing medical treatment, less social support and stigma.enAids (Disease)--Patients--South Africa--Family relationships.Cancer--Patients--Family relationships.Sick--Family relationships.Caregivers--Family relationships.Theses--Psychology.Thesis