Living environment and schooling of children with HIV-infected parents in southwest China

A cross-sectional household survey was conducted in Longchuan County, China, to study the lives of children with HIV-infected parents. Registered HIV-infected drug users and their households were approached and information about the living environment of children <= 15 years of age was collected. Of the 266 households interviewed, there were 213 children <= 15 years old. Forty percent of the children had lost at least one parent. Most of the children resided in a household with low economic status and a high dependency ratio. One-half of the children experienced discordant family relations, family anxiety and shame. Compared to orphans, non-orphans and their families were less likely to receive social support from the community. Orphans and older children were less likely to attend school and more likely to be truant if enrolled in school. Findings in the current study suggest that many children whose parents are infected with HIV or have died from HIV are living in stressful environments with minimal support from the community. Efforts should be taken to provide support and supervision to these children.