The Mental Health Risk of Mothers and Children: The Role of Maternal HIV Infection

Abstract

Rates of mental health problems in mothers and children in families affected by maternal HIV as compared to those not affected by maternal HIV but living in similar inner-city, low-SES, primarily ethnic-minority neighborhoods were examined. In addition, correspondence between mother and child mental health was explored. Interviews were conducted with 220 mother/child dyads regarding symptoms of depression and anxiety. Participants included HIV-negative early adolescents (ages 10 through 14 years) and their mothers, approximately half of whom were HIV-positive. Overall, mothers with HIV exhibited more depressive symptomatology than uninfected mothers. There were no significant differences, however, in depressive symptomatology between children of mothers who were HIV-positive and children of mothers who were HIV-negative. Among families directly affected by HIV, mothers who disclosed their status to their children endorsed greater depressive symptomatology than those who did not disclose and children who had been disclosed to were more likely to score in the clinically depressed range on the Child Depression Inventory than those who did not know. Latina mothers and their children were at increased risk for both depression and anxiety symptoms, particularly in families where the mother was not born in the United States. The results corroborate previous findings with HIV-infected women that highlight the mental health needs of HIV-infected mothers and their children, particularly children that know their mothers' status.

Barriers to health-care and psychological distress among mothers living with HIV in Quebec (Canada)

“…This result confirms the increased vulnerability to psychological distress among MLHIV (Benoit et al, 2014;Brackis-Cott, Mellins, Dolezal, & Spiegel, 2007;Catz, Gore-Felton, & McClure, 2002). This high prevalence cuts across sociodemographic characteristics and cannot be explained by low socioeconomic position, immigration status, or time since HIV diagnostic.…”

“I Don't Want to Sit by You”: A Preliminary Study of Experiences and Consequences of Stigma and Discrimination from HIV-positive Mothers and Their Children

“…HIV-affected children were also significantly more likely to be viewed as less socially and cognitively competent. Their findings support a growing body of literature that suggests children of HIV-infected mothers are at increased risk for academic problems in school, depression, anxiety, and engaging in delinquent behaviors (e.g., Brackis-Cott, Mellins, Dolezal, & Spiegel, 2007;Fair, 2006;Forsyth, Damour, Nagler, & Adnopoz, 1996). One explanation for the increased risk of difficulties experienced by HIV-affected children was developed by Kotchick and colleagues (1997), who examined the effects of maternal HIV infection on parenting.…”

Psychosocial Stressors of Families Affected by HIV/AIDS: Implications for Social Work Practice

“…For example, while fewer babies were being diagnosed HIV-positive once mothers received antiretroviral medicines during pregnancy, such gains were offset by sharp increases in the number of children who live in families affected by HIV=AIDS (Nostlinger et al, 2004;Townsend et al, 2008;Whitmore et al, 2009). This outcome presented a conundrum for providers because care was available only to HIV-affected adults and children; children who were affected by HIV=AIDS comprised the large majority of dependents in such families but were excluded from receiving support services (Brackis-Cott, Mellins, Dolezal, & Spiegel, 2007).…”

“…Elkington, Bauermeister, Brackis-Cott, Dolezal, and Mellins (2009) noted that such children typically live in impoverished households in risky neighborhoods where life is burdened by the prospect of parental illness and death. Such children are likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, social withdrawal, learning difficulties, and attention deficits (Brackis-Cott et al, 2007). Lee, Gortmaker, McIntosh, Hughes, and Oleske (2006) reported that children aged 5-11 years who were affected by HIV=AIDS had lower psychological functioning compared to their peers who were living with HIV=AIDS.…”

“…The study used qualitative methods from multiple sources to identify psychosocial stressors as reported by both providers and recipients of HIV services in the state. We followed the example of Brackis-Cott et al (2007) and Fair and Brackett (2008) in defining children affected by HIV=AIDS as minor dependents who reside with mothers living with HIV=AIDS. As the study progressed, we expanded the definition to include children residing with a sibling or a caregiver who was living with HIV=AIDS (e.g., mother, grandmother, or aunt) because these children were included in family assessments and in clinic reports to HRSA.…”