[An experience nursing an intravenous drug user(IDU) with AIDS: applying the family stress model].

There is prejudice and fear in society about AIDS, causing the families of AIDS patients to be stigmatized. The number of patients infected with HIV has increased substantially in the past two years as presumably a result of an increase in the sharing of syringes. Intravenous drug users (IDUs) are often isolated from their families, with whom they usually have poor relationships. If they are infected with HIV, it becomes all the more difficult for them to be accepted by their family. The article describes the stress experienced by a family as a result of hospitalization of an IDU with AIDS. The findings from this case report demonstrate three main problems identified from the assessment of Boss's family stress management. These three health-related problems were that the primary caregiver felt exhausted, that communication between parents and children was poor, and that the family's coping ability was compromised. Encouraging positive communication between the client and his mother throughout the period of care enhanced the closeness and harmoniousness of their relationship, as well as the client's sense of security as he approached death. Furthermore, we consulted with social workers in order to facilitate the joint provision of social resources and to assist the family during its crisis.