Psychosocial Aspects of AIDS and HIV Infection in Pediatric Hemophilia Patients (From Children, Adolescents, and AIDS, P 61-91, 1989, Jeffrey M Seibert and Roberta A Olson, eds. -- See NCJ-122622)

• NCJ Number: 122625
• Author(s): P J Mason; R A Olson
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 31 pages
• Sale Source: University of Nebraska Press
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

HIV and AIDS have produced many psychosocial issues for hemophiliacs, and health care providers should help children and youth with hemophilia address these issues.

Abstract

The risk of HIV transmission through blood products has now been virtually eliminated by the use of donor-screened, heat-treated products. However, the knowledge that past blood products have been contaminated has created high levels of anxiety and stress among individuals with hemophilia and their families. However, hemophiliacs have always faced the potential risk of hepatitis infection from blood products, as well as the issues of control, changed lifestyle, and medical treatment. Thus, their psychological reactions to HIV-positive test results differ from the reactions of other groups, such as cancer patients. Their response is usually anxiety and a need for accurate information from a trusted source. HIV among hemophiliacs also poses psychosocial issues for health care providers. Thus, staff hemophilia centers need to provide AIDS education to families; stress management for health care workers, hemophiliacs, and family members; and provide psychological services to people who are HIV-positive and their families. 55 references.