Abstract

To compare the outcome of HIV positive children in relation to their care givers and to emphasize the need for the rehabilitation and supportive measures. Methods: A Retrospective record based study of 472 HIV positive children on ART registered at Regional Pediatric ART Center, Niloufer Hospital, Hyderabad from December 2021 to May 2022. These children were categorized into 3 groups based on their care givers i.e, Parents, Relatives/Single parent and NGO organization. We have compared the WHO clinical stage, drug adherence, nutritional status, Socioeconomic status, opportunistic infections and CD4 counts in relation to the care givers. Result: Out of 472 cases HIV positive children on ART, 153(32.4%) were taken care by parents, 185(39.2%) were taken care by either single parent or relatives and NGO’s were care givers for 134(28.4%) children. Most of the NGOs are taking care of male children. CD4 counts decreased in children cared by single and grand parents group compared to both parents or NGO’s. Opportunistic infections also significantly more number in single parent/grandparent. Moderate and severe malnourished children more number seen in caregivers of single/grand parents.Significant. Drug adherence of (80-95% )is seen in single/grand parents. Children of single /grand parents are more into stage III & IV classification. Study reveals that outcome overall is better when both parents are there followed by care by NGOs. It is seen that loss of one or both parent leads to poor outcome among children with HIV

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