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01-02-2010 | Original Paper

Perceived Social Support and Psychosocial Distress Among Children Affected by AIDS in China

Authors: Yan Hong, Xiaoming Li, Xiaoyi Fang, Guoxiang Zhao, Xiuyun Lin, Jintao Zhang, Junfeng Zhao, Liying Zhang

Published in: Community Mental Health Journal | Issue 1/2010

Abstract

The psychosocial wellbeing of the children affected by Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) receives growing international attention. However, limited data in this area are available in China, which hosts an estimate of 100,000 AIDS-orphaned children. The study aims to examine the relationship between perceived social support (PSS) and psychosocial wellbeing among children affected by AIDS. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 1,625 children (aged 6–18 years) in Henan Province, an area with a large number of HIV cases due to unhygienic commercial blood/plasma collection. Our sample included 296 double orphans (i.e., children who lost both parents to AIDS), 459 single orphans (children who lost one parent to AIDS), 466 vulnerable children (children living with HIV-infected parents) and 404 comparison children (children who did not experience HIV-related illness and death in family). Data suggest that vulnerable children reported the lowest level of PSS compared to AIDS orphans and comparison children. Level of PSS was significantly and positively associated with psychosocial wellbeing even after controlling for potential confounders. The study underscores the importance of providing social support and mental health services for children affected by AIDS in China.

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Title: Perceived Social Support and Psychosocial Distress Among Children Affected by AIDS in China
Authors: Yan Hong
Xiaoming Li
Xiaoyi Fang
Guoxiang Zhao
Xiuyun Lin
Jintao Zhang
Junfeng Zhao
Liying Zhang
Publication date: 01-02-2010
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Community Mental Health Journal / Issue 1/2010
Print ISSN: 0010-3853
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2789
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-009-9201-z

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Perceived Social Support and Psychosocial Distress Among Children Affected by AIDS in China

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