Caregivers's Stress Secondary to Raising Young Children with HIV Infection: A Preliminary Investigation

This study examined the impact of caring for a child with HIV infection on biological mothers (also infected with HIV), familial caregivers, and foster mothers. Levels of reported parenting stress, emotional functioning, the impact of the child's illness, and coping strategies utilized were compared. Participants were 35 female caregivers of young children (birth to 5 years) with HIV infection. Demographic variables reflected group differences: biological mothers were younger, foster mothers had greater monthly income, and children who were living with relatives were older. Group differences were noted with regards to parent related stress, anxiety, and depression with foster mothers reporting lower levels. The types of coping strategies utilized were generally similar across groups. Results suggest that young, biological caregivers of children with HIV infection may benefit from careful assessment with regard to their need for psychological intervention.