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Abstract
In 2010, 30% of South African women who were pregnant had HIV. In addition to possible loss of their mother in the future, children may also be affected by the secondary symptoms of AIDS. Psychotic symptoms are one such consequence that might disrupt the attachment relationship with children. This study was aimed to examine the published evidence on the linkages between HIV, psychosis and parenting. Databases were searched for studies on HIV/AIDS, psychosis and parenting; 51 relevant empirical studies were reliably identified and coded. No study simultaneously linked HIV/AIDS, psychosis and parenting. Twenty-three studies reported on the links between HIV infection and parenting, yielding various protective and risk factors, but not psychosis. Thirteen studies reported on the links between HIV and psychosis, with psychosis being a secondary outcome of later stages of AIDS, a side effect of medication or a comorbid disease because of common risk factors. Fourteen studies reported associations between psychosis and parenting. The impact of HIV infection of mothers on their parenting is beginning to be understood, but many underlying factors are still unknown. Psychosis appears to be a potent, but overlooked factor in supporting families affected by HIV/AIDS.
Acknowledgements
The financial assistance of the National Research Foundation (NRF) towards this research is hereby acknowledged. Opinions expressed and conclusions arrived at are those of the authors and are not necessarily to be attributed to the NRF. This study was made possible by the NRF-VU University Amsterdam Desmond Tutu Doctoral Programme, which is coordinated by the South Africa – VU – Strategic Alliance (SAVUSA).