Amsterdam 2015
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| Abstract #2051 - "When I am 64" - Ageing and HIV | ||||
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Session: 51.3: "When I am 64" - Ageing and HIV (Parallel) on Friday @ 11.00-12.30 in C104 Chaired by Sarah Zetler, Mylene Fernet Authors: Presenting Author: Ms Sarah Skeen - Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa |
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| Aim: In Sub-Saharan Africa, where the HIV burden is high and treatment roll out was delayed, parental illness and death was widespread. Primary caregiving responsibilities are often undertaken by older caregivers, frequently grandparents. This study examines the effect of age, relationship to the child, and caregiver mental health on child outcomes amongst children affected by HIV/AIDS over a 12-15 month period. | ||||
| Method / Issue: This longitudinal study gathered data from children and primary caregivers in South Africa and Malawi, drawn from consecutive attenders at a random sample of community based organisations. Consecutive children (aged 4-13) and their primary caregivers were interviewed at baseline and 12-15 months later. With ethical approval, caregiver measures were taken by interview using standardised inventories on mental health (Shona Symptom Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire), demographics and functioning as well as caregiver report on children. Direct child measures were also taken by trained data collectors. | ||||
| Results / Comments: Refusal was low (.7%) and 1 year follow up was 86%. Caregiver data for 716 primary caregivers and their child was analysed. Older caregivers (>50 yrs) were less likely to be employed or have higher levels of education. Younger caregivers were more likely to be HIV+ve. At baseline 181 carers were HIV+ve, 115 HIV-ve but living with someone HIV+ve. 27.4% carers (n=196) scored above the clinical cut off for Common Mental Health disorders (123 mild 73 severe). At follow up, disorder and suicidal ideation had significantly reduced. Age was not a significant factor. There were no significant differences between older and younger caregivers on any child outcomes except child problems (lower for older caregivers). Next, we compared outcomes for children living with their biological parents versusgrandparents and others, but no significant differences by group were found. Finally caregiver mental health was examined, irrespective of age and relationship. Caregivers with mental health scores above the cut-off, showed significantly more harsh parenting for both physical and psychological abuse reported by the child. | ||||
| Discussion: Having an older carer or non-biological parent does not necessarily translate into poorer child outcomes. Child outcomes did not vary according to the caregiver age or relationship. On the other hand, carer mental health problems were associated with harsh discipline practices. | ||||
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