Children's Experiences of Living with HIV-Positive Parents Within the Family Context of Bangladesh

Abstract

HIV may be particularly challenging for children in a family with HIV-positive parents (Hosegood and Madhavan 2010; Richter 2010). Studies show that HIVinfected and affected children suffer from material and psychosocial disadvantages due directly and indirectly to HIV/AIDS-related stigma (Chase andAggleton 2001; Messer et al. 2010; Chi and Li 2013). Several studies on HIV and AIDS have identified a number of risks and pressures on children's lives due to HIV infection in the family. These include the disruption or loss of parental care and support, increased poverty, malnutrition, withdrawal from school, decreased access to health care, increased participation in household activities, psychological stress, social stigma, as well as increased risks of abuse, exploitation and HIV infection (Schuster et al. 2000; Beard et al. 2010; Leeper et al. 2010; Richter et al. 2010; Chi and Li 2013; Sherr et al. 2014; Stein et al. 2014).