Family experiences when a child is HIV-positive: reports of natural and foster parents.

Abstract

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine issues reported by natural and foster parents when caring for a child 3 years of age or younger with vertically transmitted HIV-disease. Issues common to both groups, and specific to the natural and foster parents were explored. The issues discussed by the natural mothers included guilt, their relationship with their infected child, and the effects of their HIV infection on their family. Issues discussed by foster mothers included their decision to foster a HIV-positive child, characteristics of their HIV- positive foster children, fears of transmission, and the effect of the HIV-positive foster child(ren) on their natural family. Issues common to both sets of mothers include disclosure, support, preparation for the HIV-positive child's death, and life in general. The experiences of these families are important to describe in order for pediatric nurses to give accurate, sensitive, and culturally appropriate care.