Psychosocial needs expressed by the natural caregivers of HIV infected children

The presence in a family of a young child with AIDS, with the exception of a small number of transfusion-infected children, implies almost necessarily the presence of an infected adult, usually the mother. The problem in such a situation is not that of a child with a fatal illness but that of an entire family. Our study included a sample of thirty natural caregivers. These were mostly mothers but others responsible for the care of a seropositive child, such as fathers, aunts and grandmothers, were also included. The aim of the project was to describe their perceptions of their own psycho-social needs. Our results reveal that these caregivers are economically disadvantaged. They need help in coping with stress and their life situation. Their need to confide in others is frequently not met. However, the need to learn how to protect themselves and other members of the family against both HIV and other infections and to know the course and the treatments associated with this disease are seen by them, both as being very important and as being well met, particularly by the health professionals who care for them.