Disadvantaged families with HIV infection: a challenge in health care delivery

Perinatally transmitted HIV infection is a devastating and growing problem among families who are often the most disadvantaged units in society. However, being disadvantaged does not necessarily mean that the family is dysfunctional and unable to cope creatively with a child and other family members who are HIV infected. A model is presented which allows the nurse to assess both strengths and stressors of families having perinatally transmitted HIV infection. Characteristics of HIV infected families who cope well, and those who cope less well are delineated. Eight broad principles of management for these families are discussed and their application illustrated with two case studies.