HIV-infected parents and their children in the United States

Abstract

Objectives. This study sought to determine the number, characteristics, and living situations of children of HIV-infected adults. Methods. Interviews were conducted in 1996 and early 1997 with a nationally representative probability sample of 2864 adults receiving health care for HIV within the contiguous United States. Results. Twenty-eight percent of infected adults in care had children. Women were more likely than men to have children (60% vs 18%) and to live with them (76% vs 34%). Twenty-one percent of parents had been hospitalized during the previous 6 months, and 10% had probably been drug dependent in the previous year. Parents continued to have children after being diagnosed with HIV: 12% of all women conceived and bore their youngest child after diagnosis, and another 10% conceived before but gave birth after diagnosis. Conclusions. Clinical and support services for people affected by the HIV epidemic should have a family focus.