由於愛滋病需要長期的監測與照顧，除了病患外，家屬在照顧上也承受許多的壓 力與責任。本研究之目的為瞭解國內愛滋病患家屬所面臨的壓力與因應行為。進行探測性描 述研究， 於 85 年 1 月起至 12 月期間進行四位個案深入訪談，並分析訪談之內容資料。 研究結果顯示， 愛滋病患家屬之壓力來源包括（ 1 ）病患因素：對疾病認知不足、疾病的 合併症之照顧、不確定未來與死亡之威脅； （ 2 ）家庭因素：家庭成員的反應和經濟問題 ；（ 3 ）社會因素：社會恥辱與社會隔離。 而家屬在情緒上反應出震驚、哀傷與懷疑，害 怕、焦慮與恐懼，無奈與抱怨。因應行為包括逃避、認命、期待與計畫、自我調適與尋求資 源。本研究建議保護病患之隱私權、提供經濟支援、成立支持團體、家屬成長團體、定期舉 辦相關人員的在職教育以及提供宗教信仰之支持。

　　　　　Families having patients with HIV infection (PWHIV) or AIDS may endure a lot of stress and responsibility while taking care of PWHIV. Due to the life-threatening disease, PWHIV frequently undergo prolonged hospitalization. An exploratory, descriptive study evaluating the stress and relevant responses of families of PWHIV was conducted from Jan 1, 1996 through Dec 31, 1996 by interviewing four families in a Taiwanese medical center. The results of this study showed that sources of stress endured by the families of PWHIV fall into three categories: (1)Patient and disease factors: including lack of knowledge of this life-threatening disease, help in dealing with complications of the disease, the uncertain future and the threat of death. (2)Family factors: the reactions of family members and financial difficulties. (3)Social factors: social stigma and social isolation. The relevant responses to these stresses involve shock, grief, and suspicion behaviors-avoidance, yielding, anticipation, planning, self-adjustment, and resource seeking. We suggest it is mandatory to protect the patient's privacy, provide financial assistance, organize social supporting groups and the family supporting groups, and provide caregivers of PWHIV with professional care training, and spiritual care.