Understanding the Psychosocial Needs of HIV-Infected Children and Families: A Qualitative Study
Warunee Punpanich MD*, Roger Detels MD, MS**, Pamina M Gorbach MHS, DrPH**, Pimsiri Leowsrisook RN*
Affiliation : * Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand ** School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, University of California, Los Angeles
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.
Material and Method: 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.
Conclusion : 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.
Keywords : HIV/AIDS, Children, Families
