Parental Psychological Adaptation and Children With HIV: A Follow-Up Study

Pediatric HIV adherence: an ever-evolving challenge

Providers working with children living with HIV strive to achieve "good adherence," often viewed only as consistent pill taking by the infected child. This goal, while important, needs to be expanded with a thorough examination of the many biopsychosocial factors impacting the HIV affected family. The complexity of the issues affecting adherence to a pediatric HIV medical regimen can overwhelm both the practitioner and the patient. By utilizing a developmental framework and emphasizing the critical importance of the relationship between provider, patient and family, the authors (both of whom are social workers who have worked over a period of many years with children and families living with terminal and serious chronic illnesses) describe a developmental approach that includes comprehensive assessment to address the multiple challenges faced by individuals and families they have worked with.

Psychosocial intervention in the process of empowering families with children living with HIV/AIDS-a descriptive study

The notion of 'family empowerment' is of crucial importance in any kind of psychosocial intervention directed to families with children living with HIV/AIDS. The goal is to restore self-efficacy and self-esteem, encourage positive coping and help family members make their own choices. Two settings for psychosocial intervention are described: an outpatient clinic within a larger medical institution and a therapeutic camp for families with children. Different psychotherapeutic and counselling strategies and approaches are briefly presented. Preliminary results based on work with families with children infected and/or affected by HIV/AIDS are described. The conclusion is that interventions that involve different settings seem to be most effective, especially for the most vulnerable families. The important issue is also collaboration between different service providers and NGOs.

Caring for the child and family with HIV disease

Caring for children with HIV infection is a much more optimistic process than in the beginning of the epidemic. Antiretroviral therapies are available, and additional drugs are receiving approval from the US Food and Drug Administration. Cautious optimism must be tempered with an understanding that living with the disease is a complicated and daunting process for these children and their families. Although scientific knowledge and medical treatments are moving forward, the social and environmental uncertainties remain for families. Comprehensive care is a balance of health care services and supportive, community-based services offered in a compassionate manner.