HIV+ children and their families in the UK: results from a family-clinic based ‘look-back’ exercise in London

Abstract

Advances in antiretroviral treatment have resulted in a growing number of HIV+ children surviving into adolescence and adulthood. However, HIV remains a chronic condition compounded by additional psychosocial stressors associated with living with HIV. The gold standard for treatment of HIV+ children and young people is within a family context. This ‘look-back’ exercise was conducted within an HIV family clinic context in London. HIV+ children’s clinical notes were examined with the aim of describing the medical and social context of the families attending the clinic. Results showed that families are living with many psychosocial challenges that may have an impact on their ability to respond effectively to the challenge of living with HIV disease.