Publication Cover
Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies
An International Interdisciplinary Journal for Research, Policy and Care
Volume 1, 2006 - Issue 1
289
Views
51
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
ORIGINAL ARTICLES

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

, , , &
Pages 29-43 | Published online: 18 Feb 2007
 

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 multi-centre 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.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all respondents who filled in the questionnaire. The investigators of the participating centres were (authors not included): Ann-Sofie Åsander (Karolinska Institute, Stockholm), D. Asboe (St. Steven's Centre, London), L. Caldeira (Hospital Santa Maria, Lisbon), N. Dedes (Synthesis, Athens), C. Giaquinto (University of Padova, Padua), F. Goebel (Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich), D. Gredig and S. Nideroest (University of Aargau, Aargau), G. Koitz and N. Vetter (Otto Wagner Spital, Vienna), U. Sonnenberg-Schwan (German AIDS Society, Munich), C. Uberti-Foppa (HSR Ospedale, Milan), B. Vandercam (Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Brussels), J. K. Vermunt (University of Tilburg, Tilburg) and E. Wilkins (North Manchester Health Care NHS Trust, Manchester).This study was made possible with a grant from the European Commission, SANCO/Public Health, grant agreement no. SPC2002418.

Log in via your institution

Log in to Taylor & Francis Online

PDF download + Online access

  • 48 hours access to article PDF & online version
  • Article PDF can be downloaded
  • Article PDF can be printed
USD 53.00 Add to cart

Issue Purchase

  • 30 days online access to complete issue
  • Article PDFs can be downloaded
  • Article PDFs can be printed
USD 227.00 Add to cart

* Local tax will be added as applicable

Related Research

People also read lists articles that other readers of this article have read.

Recommended articles lists articles that we recommend and is powered by our AI driven recommendation engine.

Cited by lists all citing articles based on Crossref citations.
Articles with the Crossref icon will open in a new tab.