Psychosocial Issues in Paediatric Hiv Care: at What Age Should Counselling and Disclosure Begin?

Background
The human immunodeficiency virus epidemic remains one of the most full challenges to public health. The estimated number of people victuals with HIV globally in 2007 was 33.2 million, with 2.5 million being electric razorren less than fifteen long time (WHO, 2007). Sub-Saharan Africa is the hardest hit bea, with 90% of fryren animate with HIV living in this region (WHO, 2007). While this constitutes a significant sum of disease, several gaps exist in the knowledge of caring for children living with HIV/AIDS (Tindyebwa et al., 2006, WHO, 2006). These gaps exist in all the areas of pediatric HIV care, including clinical and laboratory monitoring, the pharmacology of antiretroviral medication as well as psychosocial issues arising in the care of children infected with HIV (Tindyebwa et al., 2006, WHO, 2006).

Tindyebwa et al. (2006) emphasize that all HIV children require counselling, beginning at the first contact. Counselling assists the child and the family to cope with the emotions and challenges when the child discovers they are HIV positive (SAT, 2003; Tindeyebwa et al., 2006). This will help the child and the family recognize choices and decisions that will prolong life, improve the quality of life and stay put better to therapy (SAT, 2003; Ministry of Health and Social Services Namibia, 2006; Tindyebwa et al., 2006).



The methods of counselling metamorphose with the age group and the socio-economic circumstances (SAT, 2003; Tindyebwa et al., 2006). For example, the approach to a child who has never been to school and cannot draw pictures differs from one who has attended school.

yet it has been argued that disclosure of HIV status can be slow up until the ages of 5 to 7 years, and should be guided by the childs ability to understand and the parents or caregivers consent (SAT, 2003; Ministry of Health and Social Services Namibia, 2006; Tindyebwa et al., 2006). Disclosure should be done gradually, in a culturally sensitive style (SAT, 2003). Ideally it is the parent or caregiver...If you want to get a full essay, order it on our website: Orderessay



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