Themes related to children living with HIV/AIDS

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This review examines themes related to children, especially children under the age of fifteen,living with HIV/Aids. For review purposes themes include defining children living with HIV/Aidsas a vulnerable population, the psychological impact of HIV/Aids on children, children'scoping with and perceptions of HIV/Aids. The global HIV/Aids pandemic has caused majorworldwide social change. The impact, especially the psychological impact of HIV/Aids onchildren appears to be vast and at times disastrous in nature. HIV/Aids is estimated to affectthe lives of several generations of children and the impact of the pandemic will thereforecharacterize their communities for decades to come as the numbers of affected and infectedchildren are on the increase. It has been noted by research done that children living withHIV/Aids become impoverished, their insecurities worsen and their psychosocial andpsychological problems increase. In addition their educational and work opportunities decline,their nurturing and support systems disintegrate, and child mortality rates rise. The necessityof psychological support for children affected and infected by HIV/Aids is directly linked to therights of children listed in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and theSouth African Constitution. Research reviewed points out that a child's physical andpsychological health is intertwined and therefore a child cannot be physically healthy withoutalso being psychologically secure. Research reviewed also points out that it is of the utmostimportance that the voices of children who live with HIV/Aids are heard, their involvement indecision making and planning related to HIV/Aids is allowed and that their needs are met,especially their psychological needs in relation to the pandemic. Overall the literaturereviewed in the past four years (2003-2006) highlights the significantly under-investigated,under-researched themes such as psychological aspects related to children living withHIV/Aids, both in South Africa and internationally. These aspects surrounding HIV/Aids, aspreviously mentioned, also seem to be the least tangible and the most difficult for adults toaddress or comprehend fully and yet they impinge on all aspects of developing children -hence the identified need in this area for adequate research and psychological support, suchas program implementation.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University