Impact of HIV/AIDS on HIV positive children at individual and family level: an institution-based cross-sectional study in Eastern India

Impact of HIV/AIDS on HIV positive children at individual and family level: an institution-based cross-sectional study in Eastern India

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Background: HIV infected children constitute a huge number.These children suffered from adverse consequences of HIV/AIDS.Objectives: In this context this study was conducted to elicit the impact of the disease on HIV positive children at individual and family level.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Paediatric Centre of Excellence Tummy Time in HIV Care, Kolkata among 202 HIV positive children.

Data collection was done for a period of one year.Relevant information was collected by interview method and from Treatment cards of the HIV positive children.Results: Majority of the caregivers were mothers (64.6%).

Two-third of the children (64.6%) belonged to upper lower or lower socio-economic class.About 29.2% of the children were thin while 36.

6% were stunted.About two-third of the children were afflicted by one or more comorbidities.Both parents were HIV positive among129(67.2%) of the children.

36.9% HIV positive fathers had to change their job and 7.8% lost their jobs while 9.2% HIV positive mothers changed their jobs and 31.

4% mothers had to work for a living.One-fifth of the children were AIDS orphans, while 27.6% lost their father due to AIDS.Most of the families reported decreased family income and increased expenditure (94.

3% and 96.4% respectively) due to HIV/AIDS.School SEA RICH OMEGA-3 LEMON D3 750/500 drop-outs were 14.0%.

Discrimination experienced from family members (12.7%), neighbours (22.4%), school (29.2%) as well as health care workers (HCWs) (13.

0%).Conclusion: HIV/AIDS children are in dire need of support, empathy and high quality health care.