Perceived social support and psychological wellbeing among AIDS-orphaned children in China

Background: The psychosocial wellbeing of the AIDS-orphaned children receives growing international attention. However, very limited data are available in China, which hosts more than 100,000 AIDS-orphaned children. This study aims to examine the relationship between perceived social support and psychological wellbeing among AIDS-orphaned children and their comparable groups.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered among 1625 children (aged 6-18 years) in Henan Province, an area with a large number HIV cases due to unhygienic commercial blood/plasma collection. Our samples included 296 double orphans, 459 single orphans, 466 children with HIV-infected parents, and 404 non-affected children. Standardized scales were used to assess their psychological wellbeing and perceived social support.

Results: Double orphans reported highest level of social support, followed by single orphans then non-affected children; children with HIV-infected parents reported lowest level of social support (p<0.001). Compared to non-orphans, orphans also reported higher level of depression, loneliness, and lower level of self-esteem and hopefulness (p<0.05). After controlling for key socio-demographic factors, children's psychological wellbeing was still significantly positively associated with their perceived social support (p<0.05)

Conclusion: The AIDS-orphaned children in China have poor psychological wellbeing. Children with HIV-infected parents are particularly vulnerable. More public health actions are needed to increase their social support and promote their mental health.