Prediction of cognitive, adaptive, and behavioral functioning in preschool and school-age children with HIV

This study describes and predicts cognitive, adaptive, and behavioral functioning in children with HIV utilizing a risk factor model. Sixty-seven perinatally infected children 3 to 16 years of age were administered standardized measures of cognitive, adaptive, and behavioral functioning. Mean group performance fell below the normative samples on cognitive and adaptive skills and above normative samples for behavior. Hierarchical regression equations found a relationship between socioeconomic status and cognitive functioning that was mediated by the ratio of children to adults in the home. Treatment type and the child-to-adult ratio in the home were predictive of adaptive behavior. The risk factor model failed to predict behavior problems. Implications for future research and clinical work with children with HIV are discussed.