The family and HIV/AIDS

Abstract

This article provides a brief review of studies presented at the San Francisco conference that deal with the social and psychological impact of AIDS on the family. AIDS is a biopsychosocial problem affecting not only the patient but also the patients biological family and social family. Most articles deal with the psychological impact on family members. As one study explains most families grappling with AIDS are composed of single parents usually the mother. Sometimes these families face the death of a child or one of the parents. Often they endure financial and medical crises social stigma and lack of social support. But the literature indicates that the psychological stress varies according to family types. While heterosexual parents often experience anxiety and paranoia possible over the fear that others might find out homosexual male partners usually report feeling depressed. Other articles deal with the psychological problems faced by non-infected siblings who often feel isolated or stigmatized. As far as caretaking is concerned one study indicates that more than 2/3 of the people with AIDS live with someone 1/2 of the time with their family or origin. Caretakers are usually females. Several articles also deal with the support and information needed by parents including adoptive parents. Other articles deal with the transmission of AIDS including such issues as mother-to-infant transmissions husband-to-wife transmission partner notification and the trend among homosexual men to have fewer partners. Judging from the existing literature the author emphasizes the need for counselling and psychological support that takes into consideration the particular situation of the family involved.