Children and adolescents living with HIV positive parents: Emotional and behavioural problems

Abstract

This study explores the emotional and behavioural problems in children living with an HIV-positive parent, and identifies specific high-risk and protective factors for their psychological well-being. Data were collected on 718 parents living with HIV and on 1136 HIV-affected children in a European multicentre study (EUROSUPPORT IV) adopting a cross-sectional and retrospective study design. Sociodemographic characteristics, HIV-related stressors, variables relating to caregiving and outcome variables relating to family functioning and children's symptoms were assessed using a self-reported questionnaire. Results indicated a low level of parental HIV disclosure to children, and an elevated level of behavioural symptoms in HIV-affected children as reported by parents. Children had experienced a high degree of distressing life events. In multivariate analysis, perceived healthy family functioning emerged as protective for a low degree of behavioural symptoms in children and adolescents. The results call for a shift towards family-centred service delivery in HIV care and counselling. Service implications are discussed in the light of increasing numbers of women and couples living with HIV who become parents and need tailored support in facing the challenges of being a caregiver living with HIV.

Secondary Disclosure of Parental HIV Status Among Children Affected by AIDS in Henan, China

“…6,32 Generally, children at different age may show different level of psychological adjustment in response to parental HIV infection. [34][35][36] The current study confirmed that children's age was significantly associated with most of psychological measures.…”

Inter-generational Linkages of AIDS: Vulnerability of Orphaned Children for HIV Infection

“…We were unable to identify any quantitative studies examining the prevalence of children who serve as primary caregivers for AIDS-unwell parents. However, given the paucity of health professionals in the developing world, children (especially daughters) are likely candidates for providing care for AIDSaffected adults (Nostlinger et al 2006). Risk of HIV infection to carers of AIDS patients is very low when adequate protection is used, particularly gloves (Wood et al 1997).…”

Reproductive Choice for Women and Men Living with HIV: Contraception, Abortion and Fertility

“…81 A more recent European multi-centre study found that 22% of HIV positive pregnant women had terminated a pregnancy since their HIV diagnosis, and 29% of them reported more than one termination. 82 The illegality of abortion does not stop women seeking abortion even in unsafe conditions. In a study carried out in Cô te d'Ivoire, a third of pregnant HIV positive women terminated a pregnancy in spite of legal restrictions.…”