Trial Information

Long-Term Survival With HIV: A Study of the Psychological and Behavioral Factors Associated With the Transition From Adolescence To Young Adulthood

Children and adolescents with HIV/AIDS are living well beyond the life expectancy that was
projected for them in the past. As the number of survivors of vertically or transfusion
associated pediatric HIV disease increases, attention to the psychosocial adjustment of
these adolescents and young adults becomes increasingly important. Studies in the late
1990s described child and adolescent survivors as generally well adjusted, though
difficulties become more apparent as the child approached the age of 18. Nothing is known
about these HIV positive youngsters as they enter late adolescence and young adulthood.
This study will examine psychosocial factors associated with long-term survival of HIV/AIDS,
including the prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses, risk behaviors, evaluation of self
competence, and the impact that multiple losses has on the adolescents' emotional
well-being. In addition, data will be collected from the primary caregivers on the
prevalence of parenting stress compared to national norms. Subjects will include children
who have been infected (either perinatally or through transfusion) for at least eight years
and who are aware of their diagnosis.