Children's anxiety and depression and parent's HIV status.

Abstract

This study set to investigate the levels of anxiety and depression among children of parents living with HIV/AIDS. Across-sectional study design using a comparative approach was used. Translated revised children’s manifest anxiety scale (RSMAS) and children in Tororo district. Results indicated that children of parents living with HIV/AIDS experience higher levels of anxiety and depression. Significantly higher levels (for both anxiety and depression) were found among older children and there was a positive association between anxiety and depression. Limitations of the study were, having to rely on parents to give consent for their children’s participation in the study, and (in some cases) discussing with parents the purpose of the study days before meeting the children for the interview.