A study of psychosocial problems in families with HIV-infected children in coastal Karnataka

Individuals infected with HIV and AIDS and their families have to cope with a multitude of stressors. These chronic and stigmatized conditions can affect the overall functioning and lifestyle of affected children and their families. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a child’s illness on psychosocial issues for parents or caregivers and the problems they face. The descriptive study was carried out at Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Mangalore, India. In total, 27 parents or relatives of HIV-positive children were interviewed after obtaining consent. The male/female ratio of affected children was 0.9:1 and the majority of the children were >5 years of age. Ten children were looked after by both parents, 13 by one parent and four by relatives. The majority of the families had a per capita income of