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AIDS and Behavior
Published in: AIDS and Behavior 7/2013

01-09-2013 | Substantive Review

Impact of Parental HIV/AIDS on Children’s Psychological Well-Being: A Systematic Review of Global Literature

Authors: Peilian Chi, Xiaoming Li

Published in: AIDS and Behavior | Issue 7/2013

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Abstract

This review examines the global literature regarding the impact of parental HIV/AIDS on children’s psychological well-being. Fifty one articles reporting quantitative data from a total of 30 studies were retrieved and reviewed. Findings were mixed but tended to show that AIDS orphans and vulnerable children had poorer psychological well-being in comparison with children from HIV-free families or children orphaned by other causes. Limited longitudinal studies suggested a negative effect of parental HIV on children’s psychological well-being in an early stage of parental HIV-related illness and such effects persisted through the course of parental illness and after parental death. HIV-related stressful life events, stigma, and poverty were risk factors that might aggravate the negative impact of parental HIV/AIDS on children. Individual coping skills, trusting relationship with caregivers and social support were suggested to protect children against the negative effects of parental HIV/AIDS. This review underlines the vulnerability of children affected by HIV/AIDS. Culturally and developmentally appropriate evidence-based interventions are urgently needed to promote the psychological well-being of children affected by HIV/AIDS.
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Metadata
Title
Impact of Parental HIV/AIDS on Children’s Psychological Well-Being: A Systematic Review of Global Literature
Authors
Peilian Chi
Xiaoming Li
Publication date
01-09-2013
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
AIDS and Behavior / Issue 7/2013
Print ISSN: 1090-7165
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3254
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-012-0290-2

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