Psychosocial aspects of human immunodeficiency virus infection in children and adolescents

Abstract

The progression of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic into the population of women and children continues. The literature reviewed in this article addresses investigation of vertical transmission factors and different patterns of disease course. Psychosocial aspects of management of children and families living with HIV infection and its protean medical manifestations are reviewed. The importance of antiretroviral therapy, particularly for slowing or arresting neurologic involvement has been well documented. Factors contributing to the vulnerability of adolescents to infection with the retrovirus are discussed, and articles describing successful intervention with this group are presented. The need for access to multidisciplinary services is emphasized, as the care of a youngster with HIV infection is likely to require familiarity with current protocols, availability of subspecialty consultation, and capacity to interface with multiple social agencies.