Abstract

PEREZ-CUEVAS, Ricardo et al. Social care needs to the health of child and adolescents with HIV-AIDS: perspectives of the Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez. Bol. Med. Hosp. Infant. Mex. [online]. 2009, vol.66, n.4, pp.364-372. ISSN 1665-1146.

Introduction. We undertook this study in order to analyze the social care needs of users of the Immunodeficiency/HIV clinic of Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez in Mexico City. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with chil-dren and adolescents attending the clinic. Demographic, family and economic information were analyzed from the clinical files. Results. Included in the study were 177 patients: 25% were <5 years of age, 48% between 5 and 10 years, 13% between 10 and 15 years and 13% >15 years. Their educational level was below the expected average. Of these children, 53% are cared for by their parents, 28% by close relatives and 17% reside in shelters; 70% of parents suffer from HIV-AIDS and 87% of families have a monthly average income of MXN$2 644.00, from which 62% is allocated for food and 9% for medical care. Most of the "breadwinners" are marginally employed. All patients receive free medication covered by the Sistema de Protección Social en Salud. Conclusion. Children and adolescents with AIDS and their families have severe conditions of social vulnerability and little possibility for developing their educational and occupational capabilities. Expanding the capacity of the Immunodeficiency/ HIV clinic to provide social care will fulfill an unmet need.

Keywords : Social; needs; HIV; acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; pediatrics; health; care.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )