Al Ameen Journal of Medical Sciences (Jan 2021)
Impact of HIV/AIDS on HIV positive children at individual and family level: an institution-based cross-sectional study in Eastern India
Abstract
Background: HIV infected children constitute a huge number. These children suffered from adverse consequences of HIV/AIDS. Objectives: In this context this study was conducted to elicit the impact of the disease on HIV positive children at individual and family level. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Paediatric Centre of Excellence in HIV Care, Kolkata among 202 HIV positive children. Data collection was done for a period of one year. Relevant information was collected by interview method and from Treatment cards of the HIV positive children. Results: Majority of the caregivers were mothers (64.6%).Two-third of the children (64.6%) belonged to upper lower or lower socio-economic class. About 29.2% of the children were thin while 36.6% were stunted. About two-third of the children were afflicted by one or more comorbidities. Both parents were HIV positive among129(67.2%) of the children. 36.9% HIV positive fathers had to change their job and 7.8% lost their jobs while 9.2% HIV positive mothers changed their jobs and 31.4% mothers had to work for a living. One-fifth of the children were AIDS orphans, while 27.6% lost their father due to AIDS. Most of the families reported decreased family income and increased expenditure (94.3% and 96.4% respectively) due to HIV/AIDS. School drop-outs were 14.0%. Discrimination experienced from family members (12.7%), neighbours (22.4%), school (29.2%) as well as health care workers (HCWs) (13.0%). Conclusion: HIV/AIDS children are in dire need of support, empathy and high quality health care.
