Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Prevention
As mentioned previously, medical advances have led to a decrease in the number of infants born with HIV. Despite this encouraging trend, the CDC estimated that more than 5,500 children under age thirteen were living with HIV or AIDS in the United States in 2000. Among adolescents thirteen to nineteen years of age, the number of AIDS cases reported each year has increased from 1 case in 1981 to 310 (3,865 cumulative) in 2000. Of even more concern is
Beverly Alindi, a seven year old, HIV-infected patient from Kenya, appears much smaller and younger than her actual age due to complications from the virus.
Mental health professionals can play an important role in the prevention of HIV by providing information about safer sex, drug use, and other means of transmission. School programs focused on self-esteem building and assertiveness training have been shown to help teenagers navigate the complex interpersonal situations that can place them at risk for acquiring HIV. Mental health professionals can also work with parents, encouraging them to foster an environment of open communication in the home.
Additional topics
- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome - The Future Outlook
- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome - Developmental And Social Impact On The Child
- Other Free Encyclopedias
Social Issues ReferenceChild Development Reference - Vol 1Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome - Epidemiology And Transmission, Developmental And Social Impact On The Child, Prevention, The Future Outlook