Evaluating the Influence of Parental HIV Status on Well-being of Children and Adolescents in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors:   Biostatistics Subunit, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria., Osuolale Kazeem , Salako Abideen ,   Department of Clinical Sciences, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria., Musa Adesola ,   Biostatistics Subunit, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria, Davies-Bolorunduro Olabisi ,   Centre for Microbial Genomics, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand., Fowora Muinah ,   Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria., Otekunrin Oluwaseun ,   Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science,University of Ibadan Nigeria, Ibadan, Nigeria., Gbaja-Biamila Titilola ,   Department of Clinical Sciences, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria., Lawal Dayo ,   Department of Statistics, School of Science, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Abeokuta, Nigeria., Saka Adisa ,   Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria., Abidemi Shobanke Dolapo ,   Department of Statistics, School of Science, Federal University Lokoja, Lokoja, Nigeria.
Published: September 2024

Background and Purpose: The quality of life (QoL) of children and adolescents living with HIV is a crucial area of public health concern, particularly in regions heavily impacted by HIV. Parental HIV status can significantly influence different dimensions of a child’s life, including their emotional, social, and physical health. Nigeria is one of the countries having the highest HIV prevalence rates; understanding how parental HIV status affects children is essential for designing effective intervention and support systems. This study aims to investigate the relationship between parental HIV status and health-related QoL (HRQoL) among children and adolescents. We hope to provide insights that can improve the lives of young individuals in Lagos State, Nigeria. By examining demographic factors and health-related variables, this research seeks to advise targeted strategies to support families affected by HIV. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study collected data at the Pediatric and Adolescent Clinic, the Clinical Sciences Department of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria, between May and July 2019. The Institutional Review Board of NIMR granted ethical approval for the study. The study population consisted of 113 children and young people with HIV. Participants were randomly selected and assessed for eligibility. Then, written informed consent was obtained before enrollment in the main study. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, HIV-related health metrics, and HRQoL were collected using a case record form and a validated questionnaire to assess the pediatric QoL (PedsQL). A total of 108 participants (60 with single parent HIV-positive and 48 with both parents HIV-positive) were included. The data were analyzed using STATA software, version 16, employing the chi-square test and logistic regression to examine the determinants influencing HRQoL. We employed the PedsQL version 4, and the clinician filled out the questionnaire in the Pediatric Clinic. Results: Participants’ mean ages were 13.6 years (single parent HIV positive) and 14.2 years (both parents HIV positive), with significant associations between age and parental HIV status (P<0.05). Fathers were primary caregivers for 46.7% (single parent HIV positive) and 56.3% (both parents HIV positive) of participants (P<0.05). Parental status (alive or deceased) and education level were significantly associated with parental HIV status, with most participants having secondary education. Most participants identified as Christians (86.7% single parent HIV positive and 87.5% both parents HIV positive). The CD4 cell counts below 500 were more common in participants with both parents HIV positive, though with no significant association (P>0.05). The HRQoL scores were significantly associated with parental HIV status (P<0.05), with better scores in psychosocial and physical domains. Logistic regression showed no significant links between parental HIV status and gender, age group, or primary caregiver’s gender. Participants with both HIV-positive parents were less likely to have both parents alive. Conclusion: Parental HIV status significantly affects demographic factors and HRQoL in children and adolescents. These findings highlight the necessity for specialized interventions and support mechanisms to enhance the QoL for families affected by HIV.