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The child in the family--responding to AIDS and HIV
Insights
This study highlights the significant psychosocial challenges faced by children with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. Key issues include limited family support, lack of awareness about their condition, and cultural barriers impacting care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Children with AIDS and HIV infection often face complex family structures, with many living with single mothers who may also be HIV-positive.
- Limited involvement of extended family, such as grandparents, is noted in the care of these children.
- A significant number of children in the cohort do not have awareness of their own or their parents' HIV status.
Abstract:
This study examines the psychosocial needs of children with AIDS and HIV infection based on a cohort of 18 infected children. Fifteen of the children live with their mothers, nine of whom are single mothers. For 14 children the mother is HIV +ve and for a further 8 the father is also HIV +ve. Many children have siblings (10), but only one of these is infected. Close family and grandparents are rarely involved in care and only one child, the oldest, is aware of parental and personal HIV status. Where children attend school or preschool centres none have been informed of the child's HIV infection. Cultural issues are prevalent, especially marked when English is not the first language (n = 10) which renders obstacles for counselling and developmental appraisal. Children in this group are hospitalized more frequently than the parents. Child and parental hospitalization is problematic. Three case situations arising in this group are described in some detail to highlight the nature of the emotional challenges facing carers and service providers.