THE PSYCHOSOCIAL SITUATION OF HIV-POSITIV E WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN

We studied the psycho-social circumstances of HIV-positive women and t heir children, who were born between January 1, 1984 and June 30, 1991 and are being treated at the Department of Pediatrics. We interviewed 19 women out of 21 families using the problem-centered inter-view tec hnique according to Witzel. 29 out of 30 children were older than 18 m onths. Four children were HIV-positive and the serology of one patient aged 12 months who had been perinatally exposed was yet unclarified. The study showed massive problems within these families, such as consi derable partner problems, drug abuse and social isolation. Furthermore , there was a lack of child care to relieve the mothers. The predomina nce of drug problems and insufficient experience of social institution s with the problematic nature of HIV-infection in mothers and children require more efficient preventive measures.