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Abstract
Cross-sectional pilot study evaluating the societal factors associated with life experiences of HIV impacted children in Kolkata, India
Lal L.1, Ghosh J.2, Hazra J.3, Jackson R.4, Majumdar S.5, Mukhopadhyay I.3, Saha S.4, Spain D.6, Sen L.7
Objectives: This cross-sectional study evaluates factors associated with cultural integration within local communities, in terms of societal acceptance, access to medical and non-medical care, and availability of support resources among HIV impacted children in Kolkata, India.
Methods: The study utilizes a survey instrument and an age-appropriate knowledge questionnaire. After obtaining informed consent, children in the presence of an adult caregiver, are asked the survey questions through a trained interviewer. Data is analyzed by descriptive statistics.
Results: Forty-nine children are included in the analysis, with 61% male, and an average age of 7.7 years (SD: 3.3years). Twenty (41%) of the children are HIV positive, while 26 (53%) have a HIV positive caregiver. Thirty-six (73 %) of the children have been exposed to some formal schooling and the primary language of communication is Bengali, the local native language. Nineteen (39%) children indicated that they have participated in discussion about HIV. Concerning questions about acceptance in society, children report normal relationship experiences from teachers (69%), children (69%), parents (63%), and other adults (69%). Thirty-eight (78%) of the children indicated that they have access to religious institutions. Also, 78% of the children are aware of social agencies which provide care and services for HIV children, and thirty-two (65%) of the children have requested various forms of assistance from these agencies. Only four percent have approached and received care and support from religious institutions.
Conclusions: This study illustrates that only 39% of the children impacted by HIV have had any discussion about the disease. While a majority of the study population indicates acceptance and care, there does appear to be some limitations to mainstreaming the above population into their local communities.
(Funding source: USAID and UNCFSP).
4th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention
Abstract no.
CDB436
Suggested Citation
"LalL., et al.
Cross-sectional pilot study evaluating the societal factors associated with life experiences of HIV impacted children in Kolkata, India.
:
4th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention:
Abstract no.
CDB436"
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