Evaluation of the Impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection on the Mental Health and Quality of life of Children and Adolescents

El Hadji Makhtar BA*, Khadim Fall, Awa Kane, Fatou Kiné Samb, Momar Camara, Sokhna Seck, Fatoumata BA, Ndèye Awa Dieye, Ibra Diagne, Racky Wade, Adjaratou Dieynabou Sow, Pape Moctar Faye, Aminata Diack, Moustapha Ndiaye and Aida Sylla

Introduction: HIV infection has been identified as a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children and adolescents. The vulnerabilities of Children and Adolescents Living with HIV (CAHIV) are multiple. Stigmatization or self-stigmatization may also be present. To our knowledge, no local study has yet looked at the mental health of these CAHIV. The authors’ aim was to assess the impact of HIV infection on the mental health and quality of life of CAHIV followed in the unit. 

Methodology: We conducted a mixed-method, cross-sectional, descriptive study. It took place from September 30, 2021, to January 31, 2022. It concerned children and adolescents living with HIV 1, aged 7 to 12 years, followed regularly at the CAHIV care unit of the Centre Hospitalier National des Enfants Albert Royer. 

Results: 20 CAHIV were included, with 12 girls and 8 boys. The sex ratio (M/F) was 0.66. The mean age was 10.6 years, with extremes of 8 and 12 years. 13 (65%) CAHIV were orphans, including 5 (25%) double orphans, 5 (25%) maternal orphans, and three paternal orphans. 5 (25%) CAHIV had diffuse dermatoses. 5 (25%) had memory complaints and concentration problems. Sleepiness was the most prevalent psychosomatic symptom. It was present at 50% of CAHIV. 3 (15%) CAHIV suffered from mild depression according to the Hamilton Depression Scale. 17 (85%) suffered from anxiety according to the Hamilton Anxiety Scale. 

Conclusion: HIV infection raises many psychopathological issues in CAHIV. Their diagnosis and management are essential to improve therapeutic compliance and reduce antiretroviral treatment failure.

Keywords:

Published on: Dec 7, 2024 Pages: 43-47

Full Text PDF Full Text HTML DOI: 10.17352/apt.000063
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