Objective: To determine the prevalence of orphanhood among HIV positive children and to compare their social and demographic and clinical characteristics with that of HIV-positive non-orphans.
Methods: From February 2008 through March 2009, data was collected from 148 children registered at the antiretroviral (ART) clinic of a tertiary care hospital in Delhi, on their demographic profile, HIV status of parents, orphan status and cause of parental death, mode of transmission of the infection, current caregiver, school enrollment and clinical and immunologic parameters of HIV infection at presentation.
Results: The prevalence of orphanhood was 49.3%. Majority of the orphans were paternal orphans. The primary caregiver was either the surviving parent or extended family members. The orphans were older at presentation and had shorter mean duration of follow-up. They lagged behind the non-orphans in immunisation, nutritional status, school enrollment and attendance and socioeconomic status. They presented more frequently with severe immunosuppression and had a higher prevalence of opportunistic infections. There was no significant difference between the orphans and the non-orphans in the WHO clinical stage of presentation and adherence to ART.
Conclusions: The prevalence of orphanhood among the HIV-positive children is high. Although extended family is a cornerstone for care of HIV-positive orphans, these families are overwhelmed by the added responsibility of these children. Larger community-based studies are needed to determine the true magnitude of orphanhood and to evolve methods to socially and financially support the families taking care of these children.