A cross-sectional study of behavioural disorders in children with human immunodeficiency virus / acquired immuno deficiency syndrome attending an anti-retroviral therapy centre

Prasantha Kumar G.; Kumaravel K. S.

doi:10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20193744

Authors

Prasantha Kumar G. Department of Pediatrics, ESIC Medical College, and Post Graduate Institute of Medical Science and Research Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
Kumaravel K. S. Department of Pediatrics, Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College, Salem, Tamilnadu, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20193744

Keywords:

Behavioural Problems, Child Behaviour Check List, Human immunodeficiency virus / Acquired immuno deficiency syndrome, Orphans

Abstract

Background: HIV is a chronic disease which also significantly affects the behavior. This study aims at evaluating behavioral disorders in children with HIV/AIDS.

Methods: This Cross-sectional study utilized the Child Behaviour Check List.

Results: The overall prevalence of borderline and clinically significant behavioral problems were 69.3% (n=104). The prevalence of behavioral disorders were observed in the eight categories - anxious/depressed (borderline-7.7%, clinically significant-18.3%), withdrawn/depressed (6.7%, 18.3%), somatic problems (7.7%, 6.7%), rule-breaking behavior (7.7%, 18.3%), aggressive behavior (10.6%, 21.1%), attention problems (15.4%, 2.9%) and thought problems (9.6%, 2.9%). No social problems were observed. Internalizing problems were common in girls and externalizing problems were common in boys. As age advanced a simple linear progression in prevalence of Behavior Problems was found. There were 47.1% of Orphans in study and behavioral problems were more common in them.

Conclusions: High prevalence of behavioural abnormalities warrants comprehensive management including Behavioural counselling and therapy and not just drugs for these children.

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