Psychosocial effects in children living with hiv positive parents: focus on Kamagak west location, Rachuonyo district Homabay county.

Abstract

The mental health of children living with HIV infected parents has not received much attention in Kenya. An important step in resolving this problem involves the need for accurate assessment of the health needs of a population. As such, studies directed at identifying the psychosocial needs of HIV affected children are clearly warranted. The objective of this study was therefore directed at evaluating the psychosocial effects of parental HIV on children in Kamagak West Location, Homa Bay County. To this end, children living with one or two HIV/AIDS infected parents aged 9-16 years were enrolled in the study. Respondents were identified via purposive sampling. Data on psychosocial effects was gathered using a Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Data was analysed using MS Excel. Prevalence’s and the mean scores of the various effective factors were calculated and differences within groups analyzed using ANOVA. The strength of association between effective factors was analysed using Spearman rank correlation method and multinomial regression was used to evaluate the strength of associations between the various variables. According to the results obtained, 51% have emotional problems, 37% had conduct problems, 21% hypersensitivity problems and 24% peer problems. Total problem score was placed at 46%. Sex, was a determinant of the problems evaluated in the various subscales – only peer problems was not determined by sex. Other determinants of outcomes included age, parent’s employment status and nature of relationship with caregiver. Incidences of emotional problems were higher in children living with a guardian. These findings suggest that psychosocial problems experienced by HIV/AIDS orphans begin well before orphan hood. These points to the fact that mental health needs of children should be addressed even before orphan hood. More importantly, the findings points to the fact that mental health needs of HIV affected children should be a critical component of the overall health care planning in the County