Integrating communication skills-building into a psychosocial support intervention for HIV-affected families—implications for family violence prevention

Background: Families affected by the stressors of chronic poverty and HIV may be at risk of child abuse if not offered adequate counseling and support. The abuse that results can lead to further isolation and despair for both parent and child.

Methods: The TALC (Teens and Adults Learning to Communicate) curriculum, developed for HIV+ mothers and their teenaged children, was adapted for use in central Haiti. As part of a one year intervention, psychosocial support groups for 220 youth ages 10-17 and their HIV-affected parents incorporated TALC to explore such skills as active listening, problem solving, and conflict resolution. Qualitative follow-up interviews and home visits were conducted in June 2008 with 30 parents and 30 youth. Data were analyzed using open coding to identify themes.

Results: In the interviews, parents and youth reported having a markedly improved relationship. Listening and talking to one's child was the preferred form of conflict resolution over violence. Unannounced visits to group participants' homes confirmed a positive change in parent-child dynamics. Social workers noted families eating meals together, sharing stories and jokes, and youth helping with household chores; activities that were observed less frequently prior to the intervention.

Conclusions: A family-centered approach focused on developing communication skills between parents and children can have a positive affect on family dynamics and overall mental and physical well-being of both parent and child. This has implications for integration of psychosocial support services, in the form of support groups, into an already existing comprehensive healthcare model for HIV-affected families.