Children with HIV in the UK: A Longitudinal Study of Adaptive and Cognitive Functioning

Abstract

Children infected with HIV are a vulnerable group who have not been studied widely in the UK. They may be at risk of cognitive and psychological problems, but the relative influences of multiple factors have not been examined. This study aimed to assess a group of children with HIV in detail, including cognitive, adaptive and behavioural functioning and to apply psychological models of chronic illness in children. A longitudinal, naturalistic case study design was used. Eleven HIV-positive children, aged 4–13 years, were assessed twice. Two case studies illustrate some of the psychosocial and contextual factors impacting on these children’s adjustment. Cognitive ability and adaptive functioning were assessed. Behavioural measures, medical results and demographic information were also included. There was wide variability in the children’s functioning. Many displayed significant weaknesses in adaptive functioning compared with cognitive functioning. There were significant changes over time for some children. There was a high prevalence of behavioural and attention difficulties. Many children had experienced major life events such as moving countries and parental bereavement. Other challenges such as poor socio-economic status, limited social support and uncertainty about the future contributed to poor psychosocial adjustment. Children with HIV contend with multiple risks for their development and psychological well-being. Deterioration in psychological functioning can occur.