Mental health in youth infected with and affected by HIV: The role of caregiver HIV

Objective: To examine the association of youth and caregiver HIV status, and other contextual and social regulation factors with youth mental health. Method: Data were from two longitudinal studies of urban youth perinatally infected, affected, and unaffected by HIV (N=545; 36% PHIV⁺ youth; 45.7% HIV⁺ caregivers). Youth mental health was measured using the Child Behavior Checklist, the Child Depression Inventory, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children. Results: HIV⁺ youth reported elevated scores on the CDI compared with HIV^- youth. HIV⁺ caregivers reported fewer symptoms and were less likely to report scores in the clinical range for their children on the CBCL compared with HIV^- caregivers. Caregiver mental health and parent-child communication and involvement were also associated with youth mental health. Conclusions: Youth who resided with HIV⁺ caregivers had better mental health. Future research needs to further explore the role of caregiver HIV infection in youth mental health. Understanding and building upon strengths of HIV-affected families may be an effective focus of interventions for this population.