The situation of children affected by HIV/AIDS in Southwest China: Schooling, physical health, and interpersonal relationships.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the schooling, physical health and interpersonal relationships of children affected by HIV/AIDS in rural areas of southwest China.

METHODS

Using a structured survey, quantitative data were collected on a total of 116 children and 114 of their caregivers.

RESULTS

Parental illness or death adversely affected children's school attendance and school performance. Over one-third (36.2%) of children reported being ill for more than 3 days during the previous 6 months; more orphans were hospitalized during the latest illness than nonorphans, although the difference was not statistically significant. One-third (33.6%) of children were aware that their parents were HIV positive. Ten percent of orphans reported that their relationships with peers became worse after parental illness or death, which was significantly higher than nonorphans. Twenty-five percent of orphans reported they were teased by others compared with 1.9% of nonorphans.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV infection has impacted negatively on the children in terms of education, health, and peer association. These findings can be used as preliminary data supporting intervention strategies and activities to improve the general welfare of children affected by HIV/AIDS in China.