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Children of human immunodeficiency virus-infected members of the Army Reserve components
D N Cowan1, J M Gambel, J F Brundage
1Division of Preventive Medicine, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Washington, DC 23507-5100, USA.
Insights
This study estimates that 843 children may be orphaned due to parents with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the U.S. Army reserve. Childbearing patterns varied, with some areas disproportionately affected by HIV-related parental loss.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Military Health
Background:
- The number of children orphaned by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is largely unknown.
- Understanding childbearing patterns among military personnel is crucial for public health planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the number of children of HIV-positive U.S. Army reserve component members.
- To evaluate childbearing patterns within this demographic.
- To identify potential geographic disparities in the impact of HIV on families.
Main Methods:
- Utilized routinely collected HIV status data.
- Obtained demographic information from personnel records.
- Estimated the number of children based on reported dependents.
Main Results:
- Identified 1,884 HIV-positive members.
- Estimated a total of 843 children belonging to these members.
- Observed significant variations in childbearing patterns and the number of children across demographic characteristics and metropolitan areas.
Conclusions:
- This study quantifies the number of children with HIV-positive parents in the U.S. Army reserve.
- Evidence suggests certain metropolitan areas will face a disproportionate burden of HIV-related child orphaning.
Objectives:
Little is known about the numbers of children who will be left without one or both parents because of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. This report evaluates childbearing patterns among U.S. Army reserve component members, a group largely made up of men with limited contact with the military.
Methods:
HIV status was determined from routinely collected data, with demographic information obtained from personnel records. Number of children was estimated from number of dependents reported. No information was available on the infection status of children or spouses of members.
Results:
There were 1,884 HIV-positive members, with an estimated total of 843 children. Childbearing patterns varied across several demographic characteristics. Among 14 metropolitan statistical areas, the proportion reporting any children and the number of children of infected members per 100,000 varied substantially.
Conclusions:
This report documents the numbers of children of HIV-positive adults in this population and provides evidence that certain metropolitan areas will be disproportionately affected.