Understanding the psychosocial needs of HIV-infected children and families: a qualitative study.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to engage children living with HIV/AIDS and their caregivers in a qualitative assessment to address psychosocial needs pertaining to this population. The purpose is to identify unique situations and concerns they experienced in dealing with the disease and ongoing treatment process.


METHODS
Individual in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide were employed.


RESULTS
Thirty-four children (12 boys and 22 girls) aged 8-16 and thirty-five primary caretakers (6 males and 29 females) aged 21-66 participated in this study. Results identified some of the common concerns and challenges shared among this population, including impact of the illness on loved ones, disclosure, adherence, behavioural problems, discrimination, treatment affordability, and financial constraints. Certain issues that emerged as important themes specific to this population include unwarranted concerns about certain aspects of the illness, misinterpretation of the nonverbal clues within families, future child guardianship and placement planning, treatment availability during transitional period, and the challenge of maintaining the confidentiality of the diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
The needs and suggestions of the target groups provided the framework for improving the current services such as the provision of private sessions with children separated from their caregivers (especially for older children and adolescents), disclosure intervention, behavioral screening, life skills building, and empowerment mobilization. Thus, the information gained can be used to facilitate the holistic and humanized health care provision for children living with HIV/AIDS.
Punpanich
Warunee
W
Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
Detels
Roger
R
Gorbach
Pamina M
PM
Leowsrisook
Pimsiri
P
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D017028:Caregivers; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence; D011209:Power, Psychological; D011594:Psychometrics; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires